Coordinator: Ahri Tallon
Ahri Tallon is a youth worker, community organiser and community development worker based in Toowoomba, Queensland. Ahri has always worked in community projects and organisations trying to create a more connected, thriving and sustainable world. He is passionate about working with young people, supporting healthy organisations and preserving our planet for future generations. Ahri joins DDEC after working with youth at risk, setting up and running a charity providing skills development and mentoring.
President: Don Carlson
Don joined the DDEC Committee as a representative of Renew (formerly known as the Alternative Technology Association). Since then he has served as Treasurer for a year and was elected as President in August 2023. Don holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Environmental Science and has a diverse working background including rural production, research, and marketing, as well as working for 26 years as a Financial Planner and Business Owner. He is currently a board member of Momentum Mental Health and President of the Toowoomba Bushwalking Club. He is also a member of Permaculture Toowoomba and has completed a Permaculture Design Course.
His passions include:
Protecting and enhancing our natural environment
Smart renewable energy solutions to benefit everyone
Sustainable and resilient building and development
Growing food, native and in particular local indigenous plants
Bushwalking
Don would love to see DDEC become even more inclusive and to be a catalyst for our whole community to develop and implement practical
solutions for the many environmental and related social challenges which we are facing.
Secretary: Christel Pidcock
A fitness professional by trade Christel has joined DDEC as a committee member in 2023 as representative of the Toowoomba Wilderness Society volunteer team which through community engagement tackles local environmental concerns like biodiversity loss as well as national issues such as climate change. She is actively involved in caring for the Withcott Koala fodder forest for the benefit of local Koala carers and their patients in care. Christel also advocates for the preservation of habitat and establishment of corridors through engagement with landholders and coordinates tree plantings. As an active member of Friends of Escarpment Parks Christel also helps care for local escarpment parks and has for many years supported Toowoomba for Climate Action as an advocate for a safe climate.
Treasurer: David Tutty
Dr David Tutty is the Executive Officer of the Toowoomba Catholic Social Justice Commission. This work includes advocacy and education for justice focusing on issues that are raised by First Nations peoples, refugees and asylum seekers and care of our common home – planet earth. Originally from Aotearoa New Zealand, he has also lived for many years in South Africa and Australia. During his time in South Africa, David lived in a rural area for over six years and managed a church-owned, aged care facility. His doctorate is in theology from the University of South Africa.