Since January 2013 I’ve worked as an organiser with the Mackay Conservation Group on the campaign against the Dudgeon Point coal terminal. Prior to this, I helped establish a climate action group in Melbourne’s inner North, Climate Action Moreland that had a focus on community organising to replace the Hazelwood power station. From 2000 to 2005 I was active in the refugee movement, working on solidarity between people inside and people outside detention centres. I also assisted organisers working at the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union in a legal capacity.

I currently work as the Queensland Lead Organiser for Getup after three years at the Mackay Conservation Group, where I had been campaigning against the expansion of coal mines and ports. Mackay Conservation Group took the Federal Environment Minister to court against the approval of the Carmichael coal mine on grounds that the Federal Environment Minister, Greg Hunt, failed to properly consider the impact of the Carmichael mine on the Great Barrier Reef. Ellen has been active on environment and social justice issues for over 20 years.