The new Bundaberg Regional Councillors spent their first days getting to know their surroundings, council systems and having their first Council meeting, held for the first time in Council’s Civic Centre Supper Room.
Cr May Mitchell
May Mitchell has lived in Division 9 for 25 years. She is married, with an adult daughter, and has worked for Council for 23 years in Rates.
She loves being involved in cycling and outdoor fitness and has held positions in Neighbourhood Watch, Coral Isle Cyclists Inc., been a Toastmasters member and a non-executive board member of Community Lifestyle Support Ltd (disability & community services).
“Bundaberg’s doing well but I believe we can improve, if, as a community, we do more to encourage business, employment and liveability in the region, and expand and promote outdoor recreation,” May said.
“I’m already pleased I didn’t go into my campaign with a long list of objectives to achieve in a term of Council, because it’s obvious this will be a term like no other.
“However, one of my objectives was to improve liveability.
“Once mobility and freedom of movement is given back to us, I expect most residents will appreciate social & recreational facilities more, including safe, plentiful and well-designed pathways, bikeways and outdoor spaces to share family and exercise activities.
“The highlight for me from this pandemic is that it shows if all levels of government are working for the common good, so much can be achieved, and many people can benefit.”
Cr Tracey McPhee
New Councillor for Division 4, Tracey McPhee, found the first Council meeting “very brief”.
“And to be completely honest, I was uncharacteristically nervous during the 10 minute proceeding,” Tracey said.
Tracey is already looking forward to helping the community as a Councillor, after a busy career in finance, health and fitness, insurance, banking and hospitality.
“During the eight years we've had Alowishus, my involvement in the community has grown and I have loved every minute of it.
“I was a member of the Community Reference Group for the revitalisation of the CBD, and from this went onto to be a trader representative for the #lovebundy campaign.
“We had grown our business and positioned our key team members so that they could run the day to day aspects of the business.
“I'm going to work hard in my role as Councillor, not only on the tasks at hand, but on building & fostering relationships with my fellow council employees, Division 4 constituents and the broader Bundaberg community.”
Cr Tanya McLoughlin
Tanya McLoughlin has lived in Division 6 for 14 years.
She has run a successful remedial massage business, Deeper Essentials, for the past 11 years, but will be closing it to focus on her role in Council.
Tanya and her husband Chris are very involved in the Burnett Heads and wider community.
“Giving back to our community through volunteering and civic service is something I have always believed in,” said Tanya.
“It's why I've served in the following roles in Division 6 and the broader Bundaberg community: the Burnett Heads Business Network and Burnett Heads Progress and Sports Association, as a member and current president of the Zonta Club of Bundaberg which assists girls and women across our region and beyond, co-ordinating the Burnett Heads Youth Group to enable children to enjoy affordable and free holiday activities locally and many more.”
Tanya is looking forward to using that same energy and commitment on Council.
“As a Councillor I will listen to and work with the community to ensure it sees those benefits that improve our facilities, services and infrastructure.
“We have many longstanding issues along the coast when it comes to roads, sewerage and drainage.
“In the last term of Council we saw some of these issues addressed across Division 6, but I am keen to build on that and keep improving our communities.
“As a Councillor I will also be advocating for lifestyle infrastructure and facilities that are inclusive for all our residents – young and old.
“My job of Councillor is to be our community's representative and I am looking forward to working with our local residents for the next 4 years.”
Cr Vince Habermann OAM
Meanwhile, Cr Vince Habermann makes a return to Council, as Division 7 Councillor.
He said things were quite different from his first Council meeting when he started his first term in 2012.
“Not only the lay-out was different, 1.5 metres apart from each other in the Supper Room, but the make-up of Council is very different,
“There are only 2 other Councillors who were there in my previous term from 2012-16, Cr Barnes and Cr Honor,” Vince said.
“I look forward to gaining the respect of all of Division 7 as an accessible and caring Councillor and a passionate representative for them and work hard to achieve the best possible outcomes for all.
“I want to contribute to Bundaberg Regional Council becoming a place which is booming and is an even better place to Live, Work, Play and Invest In.”
Induction and Meeting next on the Agenda
The coming weeks will see Councillors going through Induction, with their first Ordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday 29 April.
Following the successful live streaming trial conducted at yesterday’s post-election meeting all future general meetings will be live streamed until the current COVID-19 related restrictions are lifted.
- Previous news: Councillors sworn in, one by one
Congratulations to all of the councilors on the recent election. It is good to see new councilors elected and especially more women.
We are blessed to be located where we are in Qld. Between Brisbane, Port Douglas and the Cape.
We have Lady Elliot Island, Lady Musgrave Island and Frazer Island and many local attractions to encourage visitors from all over the world to come here. We must never underestimate our importance in the scheme of things.
We do need to attract more industries to set up in our region.
Good luck and looking forward to working with you.
Garth Ovenden
Hideaway Haven Bed and Breakfast.