Aileen is an experienced regional small business operator and community advocate. From 1989 to 2012, Aileen and her husband Scot ran an agricultural supplies business while raising their three children.   

In 2009, Aileen joined the Rotary Club of Guyra and the Chamber of Commerce. While President of the club between 2016 and 2018, Aileen advocated for economic development in the region and successfully advocated for the building of the Malpas Dam to Guyra water pipeline during the crippling drought of 2019.  

Aileen was also Chairperson of Armidale Regional Council’s Regional Growth and Economic Development Committee from 2016 to 2017.  Aileen was a member of the NSW Liberal party’s State Executive from 2011 to 2012 and 2018 to 2022. Aileen was also Country Vice President of the NSW Liberal Women’s Council from 2000 to 2003, 2005 to 2007, 2012 to 2015 and 2017 to 2019.   

In 2018, Aileen saw the need for place-making within her community, with many empty shops and a loss of sense of community taking shape. She developed 'Renew Armidale' based on the successful ‘Renew Newcastle’ model. It was launched and continues to fill empty spaces with creative start-ups, one space at a time.  

Aileen’s involvement in economic development and service to the community were recognised by being awarded the 2019 Citizen of Guyra award and then in the Queen’s Birthday Honours she was awarded an Order of the Medal of Australia in June 2020.  

Immediately prior to entering Parliament, Aileen was the President of Business New England, and President of the Business NSW Regional Advisory Council.  

Aileen is proud to live in Regional NSW and is a passionate supporter and advocate of small business and community resilience.