Michelle Ebsworth and Teri Sommerfield run for council in Murweh Shire

Two new councillor candidates in a regional Queensland local government area are offering hoping to offer fresh perspectives. Find out what they’ve got on their agendas two weeks out from election day.

Council candidates in the Murweh Shire, Michelle Ebsworth and Teri Sommerfield are breaking the mould in the Murweh Shire local government elections, 2024.

After four years of a local council dominated by men, the chamber could be shaken up with new candidates who are breaking the mould.

Michelle Ebsworth and Teri Sommerfield have put their hands up to run for council in the Murweh Shire and in many ways don’t fit the current mould.

The incumbent Murweh Shire council, made up of mayor Shaun Radnedge, Michael McKellar, Paul Taylor, Peter Alexander, and Robert Eckel, has had their service to the community broadly praised.

However, both Ms Ebsworth and Ms Sommerfield have launched their campaigns to be councillors in the shire, both promising a new perspective.

Ms Ebsworth said her bid for council has been spurred by indicators that residents in Charleville are looking for a new, feminine, perspective.

“I have been speaking to many residents about their hope for a more diverse council representation, and particularly a woman’s perspective, and I have the energy and enthusiasm to put the required time into this role,” Ms Ebsworth said.

Another newcomer to the councillor race, Teri Sommerfield, shares a similar sentiment.

“I wanted to see a wider array of interests represented on the council. I want to be a part of positive change and the future of our community,” Ms Sommerfield said.

Ms Ebsworth has lived in Charleville since 2002, and her involvement in the community demonstrates she truly has made the country centre her home.

Her experience extends from involvement in an array of community activities to her business and financial background.

Michelle Ebsworth, a new councillor candidate in the Murweh Shire, said she hopes to bring diversity in representation to the council.

She has been involved in organisations including Show Society President, Rural Ambassador and Miss Showgirl for the South West, Girl Guide Leader, Treasurer for the St Mary’s P & F Association and Charleville Dance House.

Ms Ebsworth also has a background in finance and commerce, with a diploma of accounting, and business experience.

Ms Ebsworth said her three main priorities if elected as councillor are promoting liveability in the region, opening communication channels, and supporting local businesses.

A fifth generation Murweh shire resident, Ms Sommerfield has experience ranging from agriculture to performing arts.

Councillor candidate in the Murweh Shire, Teri Sommerfield, said she aims to bring a wider range of voices to council, to affect positive change in the community.

Ms Sommerfield grew up on a cattle property northwest of Charleville, and has extensive knowledge of the agriculture industry.

Professionally, Ms Sommerfield worked for the Queensland government department of resources for almost five years.

Ms Sommerfield has also been president of the Charleville Performing Arts Association for the last four years, and has been a member for a total of eight.

In 2020’s local government election, only two of 11 councillor candidates were female. This year, four of 11 are female.

With election day two weeks away, find out everything you need to know about who has nominated here, and everything you need to know about how to vote here.