Aileen MacDonald

Member of the Legislative Council

Aileen MacDonald OAM is a Member of the NSW Legislative Council and a proud advocate for regional communities across New South Wales.

Before entering Parliament, Aileen and her husband Scot ran an agricultural supplies business in Guyra for more than 20 years while raising their three children. Her experience as a regional small business operator continues to shape her practical, community-focused approach to public policy.

Aileen has held senior leadership roles including President of Business New England and President of the BusinessNSW Regional Advisory Council. During the crippling drought, she successfully advocated for critical water security infrastructure, including the Malpas Dam to Guyra pipeline.

In 2018, Aileen founded ‘Renew Armidale’ to revitalise empty shopfronts and support local start-ups. Her service to the community was recognised with the 2019 Citizen of Guyra Award and the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2020.

In Parliament, Aileen serves on several Committees and remains a strong voice for small business, community safety and resilient regional economies.