Councillor Jade Wellings wants more people to run for council

A Fraser Coast councillor is pushing for more people to put their hand up to run at the next local government election, even if it comes at the cost of her own job.

Division 5 candidate Jade Wellings with husband Michael Wellings and kids (L) 8 month old Josephine, 4yo Alexandra and 6yo Tyler Wellings. Photo: Cody Fox

A Fraser Coast councillor is encouraging others to put their hand up to run for council – even if it means losing her own seat at the table.

Division 5 councillor Jade Wellings said when she was thinking about running for council, she didn’t know much about the demands of the role or what it would entail.

Now, ahead of the next council elections in March 2024, Ms Wellings is offering to help others who might be unsure about nominating to understand what the role means.

She said people might be unsure about whether they could do the job, but many of the skills could be learnt along the way.

People should also remember that they did not have to live in the division they chose to run for, she said.

As the only woman currently on the council, Ms Wellings said she would like to see more diversity and would also encourage other people of different backgrounds to run – even if ultimately they stood against her in Division 5.

Elected councillor for Division 5 Jade Wellings.

“Absolutely, I’m a big believer in democracy,” she said.

People brought their own opinions and backgrounds to the job and it would be great to see people of different ages and backgrounds run for council, she said.

As a busy mum, she understood other parents might be unsure if they would have time to run for council.

For Ms Wellings, her bid for Division 5 came when she had just welcomed her third baby.

She is hoping anyone who needs to have a conversation or who couldn’t make up their minds to get in touch with her for a confidential discussion.

Ms Wellings said while she enjoyed working with the current group of councillors, it was important for people to have choices when it came to councillors and the community would decide when it came time to vote.

“We are working together for the good of the community,” Ms Wellings said.

To contact Ms Wellings, email [e-mail].