24 people want to replace Darren Everard on council

Fraser Coast Regional Council has revealed the people it will consider to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Darren Everard.

Several former councillors have put their hands up to fill the vacancy left by former Fraser Coast council deputy mayor Darren Everard, who announced his resignation on July 31, 2023.

Several former councillors have put their hands up to fill the vacancy left by former Fraser Coast council deputy mayor Darren Everard, who announced his resignation on July 31, 2023.

The Fraser Coast Regional Council has since received 30 nominations from residents interested in filling the Division 7 vacancy.

Of those, 24 applications have been confirmed, with a further three accepted pending confirmation of electoral enrolment within the Fraser Coast.

Two applications were not accepted as the applications were not submitted in time, while one application was confirmed but later withdrawn by the candidate.

Mr Everard announced his resignation at a council meeting on July 31, thanking the community, councillors and staff, and saying his resignation would be effective from August 9.

The Division 7 position became vacant during the last year of the current council term, which means the council is required by law to fill the position through appointment rather than a by-election.

Candidate for Division 7 David Dalgleish.

The candidates vying for the seat at council are (in order of application received):

• Luke Strochnetter;

• Christopher Mizzi;

• Andrew Broad;

• Stephen Wilson;

• Michael Walker;

• Michelle Govers;

• David Dalgleish;

• Andrew Ellis;

• Alicia Wade;

• Russell Lewis;

• Wayne Madsen;

• Dennis Langshaw;

• Kathryn Forgan-Flynn;

• Jan Hegge (Carlson);

• Bruce Mackie;

• Peter Luxton;

• Giselle O’Keefe;

• Chris Dale;

• Roslyn Buerckner;

• Sara Faraj;

• John Weiland;

• Sue Brooks;

• Michael Tudman;

• Darryl Stewart;

• Liz Hornibrook;

• Derik Westra;

• Bernice Allen.

Nominee for Division 7, Sara Faraj. Photo: Facebook

Councillors will review and consider the applications before voting to appoint a candidate during a special meeting in Hervey Bay on September 6, 2023, which will be livestreamed on the council’s YouTube channel

Mayor George Seymour welcomed the nominations.

“It’s fantastic to see such a high level of community interest in filling this councillor vacancy,” he said.

“Local governments need councillors from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of knowledge, skills and experience.

Division 7 candidate Sue Brooks. Photo: Alistair Brightman / Fraser Coast Chronicle

“We appreciate the commitment and dedication of all nominees to take on this vital role and serve our community. We look forward to making a decision and welcoming a new councillor on 6 September.”

At its ordinary meeting this week, the council will consider a report on the selection and appointment process for the vacant Division 7 position.

More details about the candidates’ nominations will be included in the special meeting agenda, which is expected to be available publicly on council’s website later this week or early next week.