Meet the Mountain Crew

Our Ambassador

Peter Garrett is one of our most prominent living Australians. A renowned activist, the former politician and lead singer of Midnight Oil is a long-time advocate and campaigner on a range of local and global issues. He served as president of the Australian Conservation Foundation for two terms, which saw significant additions to natural protected areas, and the ACF grow into Australia’s leading national environment organisation. As Minister for the Environment he instigated the successful historic International Court of Justice case against Japanese whaling. As Minister for School Education he was responsible for introducing the national curriculum, and for legislating a new needs-based funding system for all Australian schools. He is the only Australian politician to receive the ‘Leaders for a Living Planet’ award from the World Wildlife Fund and is a member of the Order of Australia for his contributions to the music industry and environment.

Our Team

The Mountain Festival is a not-for-profit organisation brought to you by a passionate band of local volunteers.

We will be recruiting for some festival support roles soon - so be sure to sign up for our newsletter, or reach out to us directly if you're keen to join the team.

  • Izzy Roberts-Orr

    Festival Director

    Izzy Roberts-Orr is a poet and arts worker based on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country in Blackwood.

    Previously Artistic Director and Co-CEO of the Emerging and Digital Writers’ Festivals, and a Co-Director of National Young Writers’ Festival, Izzy also works as Creative Producer at Red Room Poetry. She has extensive governance experience across the arts sector, and is passionate about promoting regional creativity and the power of literature.

  • Leonie Williams

    Operations Manager

    Leonie Williams is a passionate Macedon Ranges community member and a dedicated volunteer who we’re incredibly grateful to have on board. With over 20 years of experience in commercial, sales, marketing, retail, and admin, she brings invaluable operational know-how to everything she does. Leonie has a natural way of connecting with people and is a true team builder. Her organisation, planning, and leadership keeps everything running smoothly.

Our Board

  • Mary Gearin

    BOARD CHAIR
    Mary Gearin is an award-winning journalist and storyteller of more than 30 years’ experience. As ABC News presenter across national and state TV and radio programmes, Europe Correspondent and National Sport Correspondent, she led the national broadcaster's coverage of some of the biggest stories in the world and Australia, including terrorist attacks in Paris, the Europe migrant crisis and Victoria’s deadly 2019-20 bushfires.  Mary is also an accomplished MC and moderator.  She now does work with Save the Children Australia, Scanlon Foundation Research Institute and is excited to be Chair of Mountain Festival.

  • Rob McGuirk

    DEPUTY CHAIR
    Rob is a Commercial Lawyer and Business Owner with experience and expertise in Governance, Law, Information Technology, Tourism, Strategic Planning and Not for Profits. Also over thirty years experience in the management and development of social purpose and sustainable businesses.

  • Felicity Jacobson

    BOARD MEMBER
    Felicity Jacobson combines her legal acumen with a rich background in media and entertainment. Before transitioning into law, she held pivotal roles at the Weather Channel, XYZnetworks (now FOXTEL), and ABC Commercial. Felicity has nearly lived long enough in Macedon to be considered a local and is deeply committed to her community.