From Manchester to the heart of Cape York Peninsula, Emma Jackson has built a life defined by resilience, leadership, and service. An award-winning community leader, entrepreneur, and Independent Chair of NRM Regions Australia, Emma brings a rare combination of lived experience, professional expertise, and deep community commitment to her role in shaping Australia’s natural resource management future.
For more than 20 years, Emma has managed and run a pastoral station on Cape York Peninsula, balancing the challenges of remote operations with her work in psychology and mental health. In 2015, she co-founded Conquer the Corrugations, a 42km walk that brings together hundreds each year to raise awareness and support for those impacted by suicide and mental health challenges.
Recognised as the Queensland Royal Flying Doctor Service Local Hero in 2022 for her life-saving CPR efforts during a medical emergency, Emma exemplifies courage in action. She is also an accredited Equine Assisted Learning Practitioner, working at the intersection of environmental stewardship, community wellbeing, and leadership development.
Emma is committed to reimagining what’s possible, building partnerships, and turning vision into action to secure resilient landscapes and thriving communities.
