Lynn MacLaren was born in Colorado USA and attended Albany Senior High School in 1979 during a year as a Rotary International Youth Exchange student.
She returned to live in Australia, settling in Fremantle where she became prominent in many community campaigns to protect animals and the environment.
Following a career in communications, research and advocacy, Lynn was elected to State Parliament (2005; 2009-2017). As a state MLC representing an area including ten local councils, she advocated for greater resourcing of local government, greener cities, safer roads and more community services. She was spokesperson for many portfolios from arts to planning and transport. Her bill on coastal planning for climate change was a WA first in 2012.
Lynn’s experience in non-government organisations includes capacity-building, housing policy advocacy, and delivering programmes to end homelessness. She presents professional development courses largely for non-government organisations as a consultant for Evolve WA.
Lynn volunteers in local bushland ‘Friends’ groups and has been the convenor of the Albany Community Environment Centre, Inc. She serves on several boards including the Women’s Shed Movement, Urban Bushland Council, Inc and Compassion in Action.
Lynn was elected in 2023.