Fraser Coast’s most influential people of 2021
We’re profiling the group of powerful and influential men and women to be named among the 30 Most Influential of the Fraser Coast in 2021. Here’s the next names on the list as we near the top.
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They’re the movers, shakers and makers of the Fraser Coast, and are playing a huge part in how it is overcoming the challenges of Covid and being shaped for the future.
Today we reveal the next five men and women to make the list; those coming in at #20 to#16. Tomorrow we will reveal the full list of the region’s most powerful and influential.
This list is a subjective talking point, not a scientific guide. We welcome feedback from the public.
#30. TARA BRADBURY
Tara Bradbury arrived on the real estate scene in 2002 and went on build a BDM empire, touring Australia and New Zealand as a motivational speaker on rent roll growth.
In 2019, she set up Active Agents on the Fraser Coast.
Ms Bradbury is a key member of the Fraser Coast Property Industry Association which advocates on behalf of the property sector and has a seat at the table in important decisions shaping the future of the Fraser Coast.
She has taken out a number of titles at awards ceremonies over the years and in 2019, was named in the Elite Agent’s Top 50 Industry Influencers.
She and her husband Shane live in Hervey Bay with daughters Isabelle and Sienna.
#29. JOE WRIGHT
Having worked for the Fraser Coast Anglican College since 2008, it is safe to say Joe Wright has had a large impact on students in the Hervey Bay region.
First working as the Deputy Head of Middle school for four years, Mr Wright gradually made his way to the top position.
He was then promoted to Head of Junior School, which he held for another four years until being appointed deputy principal for two years.
Mr Wright has been principal since 2018, and prides himself on student engagement and increasing domestic enrolments by 13.5 per cent in that time.
In 2020, 25 per cent of reporting students scored an ATAR of 90 or higher at the school, proving how successful he has been.
$28. FIONA FOLEY
Butchulla author and artist Fiona Foley recently won the Queensland Premier’s Literary award for her book, Biting the Clouds.
The book explores the use of opium to coerce labour from indigenous people at the turn of the 20th Century, told in dialogue between Dr Foley’s art and text.
The prize recognises “an outstanding work, by an Australian writer, focused on documenting, discussing or highlighting a uniquely Queensland story.”
The book is an extension of Dr Foley’s doctorate – awarded in 2018 – which was part of “a lifelong search” to find out what happened to the Badtjala people of Fraser Island.
Biting the Clouds examines the effects on Badtjala people of the ideology and actions of Archibald Meston, Protector of the Aborigines from 1898 to 1903, and the Anglican church that ran the missions on which they were sequestered, coupled with the use of opium as a means of “payment” for indigenous labour.
#27. MARTIN SIMONS
Fraser Coast Tourism & Events Ltd CEO and Queensland Regional Tourism Organisation Network chair Martin Simons is a vital addition to the Fraser Coast community.
Mr Simons has achieved great things since the beginning of his career with Fraser Coast Tourism five years ago and carried the local tourism industry through the tough restrictions brought on by the pandemic.
Mr Simons previously worked as a journalist and was an editor and manager of the Fraser Coast Chronicle back in the 1990s.
#26. KURT FOWLER
With two decades of law experience under his belt, Magistrate Kurt Fowler is a highly respected and very influential member of the Fraser Coast community.
Having received high praise from Health Minister and Leader of the House of Queensland, Yvette D’Ath, and winning the most esteemed QLS President’s medal, it’s clear the citizens of the Fraser Coast are receiving the best.
Mr Fowler was also acknowledged for advising younger solicitors as a QLS senior counsellor, for his work an accredited specialist in criminal law and the chairman of the QLS Criminal Law Committee.
#25. TANYA STEVENSON
Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre CEO Tanya Stevenson is renowned for her compassion for the community and ability to deliver on projects.
Ms Stevenson has qualifications in Psychology and a Masters degree in Education.
She was named Young Business Person of the year in 2012 on the Fraser Coast and Young Alumni of the year for USQ in 2013.
Ms Stevenson has led the strategic expansion of the HBNC to include the implementation of the Fraser Coast Community Social Plan and the development of the Neighbourhood Hive and Urangan Wellness Centre as well as their first social enterprise The Wandering Teapot.
She is a long-term community member of the Fraser Coast and has worked in the community sector for more than 20 years.
#24. SANDRA HOLEBROOK
With more than 20 years of commercial business experience, Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce president Sandra Holebrook has acquired a wide-reaching portfolio of skills and experience forged from holding financial, operational, and general management and director roles in a diverse range of sectors including retail, distribution, wholesaling, and manufacturing.
Ms Holebrook is passionate about using her unique skills in developing, supporting, and assisting Hervey Bay‘s business community to flourish.
#23. JANET PERSAL
Fifteen years ago Fraser Coast business legend Warren Persal raised an eyebrow when his daughter Janet showed a keen interest in his hotels.
The Persal and Co company had expanded from its thriving power transmission base to include hotel and equipment hire investments at home, but Mr Persal had always insisted that his three children went out in the world “to work it out for yourself” before joining the family businesses.
Ms Persal became a schoolteacher but took a keen interest in the two hotels remodelled by Persal and Co, the Beach House in Hervey Bay and the Carriers Arms in Maryborough. In true Persal style she learnt the business from the bottom up and now oversees the businesses on the home front while brother Brian manages the power line construction arm.
Her journey to become a widely respected, popular and successful business leader on the Fraser Coast has not been easy. She was shattered by the sudden death of her beloved father and mentor in 2017, and worked tirelessly to meet the challenges of the Covid-19 epidemic.
She was able to draw on lessons learned early in life when she lived in caravans with mother Raelene and her brothers to be near their father as he battled through rugged country to take power to remote mine sites and settlements.
Hard work, honesty and a determination to get the job done were embedded into the family’s life.
Ms Persal’s influence and respect also comes from embodying the Persal style of combining a tough, astute streak with compassion. Individuals have been quietly helped to cross bridges in hard times. The brands of the two hotels and equipment hire inspired loyalty through sponsorship of causes that made the Fraser Coast community a better place.
#22. DAN AND STEPH MULHERON
Hervey Bay mum and social media identities Dan and Steph Mulheron were champions of the hit reality television show My Kitchen Rules in 2013.
Since then, the Mulherons have opened successful Fraser Coast businesses and still run Eat at Dan & Steph’s.
After a gruelling battle with IVF, they welcomed their daughter Emmy.
Along the way, Steph shared her inspirational story, giving other women facing fertility struggles a voice.
The couple now stars in their own television show, Travel and Eat with Dan and Steph.
The aim is to take viewers on an international food journey, while visiting regional areas across Queensland.
They have more than 108,000 followers on Facebook.
# 21. JAMES HYNE
Executive Director and Stakeholder Investment manager, James Hyne, runs one of the biggest timber factories on the Fraser Coast. With a new factory opened in late 2020, Mr Hyne has helped to provide almost 40 jobs around the Fraser Coast and supplies products to several regions, with hopes to go global.
He began his career with Hyne Timber when he was only 17 years old in 1979, and has not looked back since.
Mr Hyne also owns one of the most prestigious homes in Maryborough, which has been in his family for more than 80 years.
He has previously held roles as a committee member of Timber Preservers Association of Australia, Technical Committee, chairman of Timber Queensland Treater’s Group and a committee member for the Light Organic Solvent Preservative Treater’s Association.
#20. SIMON DONE
It’s no coincidence that since Simon Done took over as principal at Maryborough State High School the school has near-doubled enrolment numbers and been recognised nationally for excellence.
For a third year running, Maryborough State High was this year named in the top three secondary government schools in the nation for excellence at the Australian Education Awards.
The school was also awarded Best Education Provider at the 2021 Fraser Coast Business and Tourism Awards for the third time.
It’s recognition that Simon takes proudly, yet humbly, putting the success of the school down to two things: his carefully chosen team and the value he places in the consultancy process.
In his six years at the school, after moving from a deputy principal position at Morayfield, his dedication has been seen in the big and little things, from helping a teacher sort recyclable rubbish at lunchtime to countless early morning hours coaching the school’s rowing team.
He has been responsible for providing direct pathways for school leavers into employment after recognising a significant gap in the health sector and introducing the Certificate II and III in Health Support Services as a study area at the school. Being hands-on has allowed him to see where teachers and students needed support.
“The reason I do it is to make an impact with students every day. It’s really important you don’t lose touch with that,” he said.
From enrolment numbers down to 650 and falling in 2015 to 1140 enrolments in 2021 and climbing, one way to look at the proof of the school’s success since the principal’s arrival is in the numbers.
“An effective school is one which is focused, with respectful, clear and empathetic leadership,” he said.
“We treat every student like they are the only one we’ve got.”
He said he took the influence he had on his students’ lives very seriously.
“To be able to make a decision that has a long-lasting and an impactful effect on a person’s long-term prospect is awe-inspiring.
“We must be doing something right – next year we have two ex-students who are returning as teachers and close to 25 staff who went to Maryborough State High School.”
#19. PETA JAMIESON
Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service chair Peta Jamieson has worked with the Queensland Government, Brisbane City Council, private sector and the Local Government Association of Queensland over the past 20 years.
She has a breadth of executive and operational experience, and an understanding of how government policies and processes work.
Ms Jamieson led negotiations on behalf of all councils while at the LGAQ for the development of Queensland’s first Environmental Protection Act. She also managed the initial formation of the Chief Executive Officers’ Forum, working collaboratively on regional projects as part of the Council of Mayors of South East Queensland.
Ms Jamieson was a driver of the micro-economic reform of local governments while working for the Queensland Government, with a focus on financial sustainability and capacity-building campaigns for all councils.
Since moving back to the region, she has established her own management consultancy service, Luminous Project Services. Through this, she delivers a range of economic development, leadership and advocacy services for the public and private sector.
Ms Jamieson is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, Master of Science in Environmental Management and Bachelor of Arts (Honours).
As part of her role, she chairs the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Board’s executive committee and is a member of the Audit and Risk, Safety and Quality and Finance committees.
She is also a director on the Gladstone Ports Corporation Board and a member of its Governance, Risk and Compliance Committee and People, Performance and Culture Committee.
#18. DEBORAH CARROLL
Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service chief executive Deborah Carroll has worked in the public health sector for almost 40 years and has held leadership roles across a number of health facilities throughout Queensland.
She has undertaken significant postgraduate studies, including a Masters of Health Administration and Information Systems, and a Graduate Certificate in Health Service Planning.
Ms Carroll completed her general nurse training in 1981 at Mackay Base Hospital, where she was acknowledged both for outstanding theoretical knowledge and nursing care.
She later gained a Bachelor of Health Science (Nursing) with Distinction from Central Queensland University in 1995, a Graduate Diploma in Emergency Nursing and endorsement as a Rural and Isolated Practice registered nurse.
Ms Carroll joined WBHHS in 2006, as Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services. She was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2014, a role that was renamed Executive Director of Acute Hospital and Community Services in 2018.
In 2008, she was awarded a Queensland Health Australia Day Award for exceptional leadership and restoring community confidence, and again in 2014 for her exceptional leadership during the 2013 floods. In 2018, she was part of the team recognised at the WBHHS Excellence Awards for the highly successful Procurement Optimisation Project, and in 2020 she has played a leading role in the organisation’s response to Covid pandemic.
#17. JADE WELLINGS
Motherhood was the inspiration behind Jade Wellings’ council candidacy in 2020.
The mother of three secured Division Five with 60.36 per cent of the vote and was the only woman to be elected.
Ms Welling’s resume includes a business degree and significant management experience in real estate, fitness and a network of worker’s and holiday accommodation. She says that “regardless of gender it is an absolute honour to be representing my community and I am humbled by the support I received during the election”.
She is however, acutely aware of the position she finds herself in.
“I feel a responsibility to women, and in particular young women, to be a good leader, a strong voice and to demonstrate that you can be a good mother and also do meaningful work at the same time,” she said.
#16. ADRIAN TANTARI
Moving to Hervey Bay from Tasmania 21 years ago was a “lifestyle change” for the new Hervey Bay State MP.
Moving up from Tasmania, he and his then wife and children left behind “the cold,” but what stayed with him was memories of an upbringing which would one drive him to want to be part of something that could impact the circumstances of others.
The third of four kids, Mr Tantari left school in Year 10 to work and help his single mother with money.
“My mother was divorced from my father, so I had to go through a process of assisting my mum.
“I left school in grade 10 and I went and got my first job when I was 17 … I’ve been a cleaner, I’ve been a storeroom packer.
“That first period of my working life was all about just survival, it was all about just having enough money to pay for food and support mum.”
Fuelled by self-motivation and ambition, Mr Tantari studied at TAFE where, along the way, he completed an associate diploma as a library technician and met his now ex-wife.
He later went to university to study applied computing but did not finish the degree as the pressure of financial hardships took its toll.
Mr Tantari was elected to the position on a wave of goodwill for the incumbent Palaszczuk Government last year and is determined to better the region both from an economic and educational perspective.
“I want to make sure that when I leave this role, that I’ve left a legacy that has improved Hervey Bay, it’s improved Hervey Bay’s services.
“To wrap it up in one line, I want to see Hervey Bay being the educational centre of excellence for the Wide Bay Burnett.”
#15. KIM CARTER
Kim Carter, principal of Carter Cooper Realty, is an industry professional who has been achieving record results in the Hervey Bay property market for more than 20 years.
In addition to this Kim has a hands-on approach in ensuring that the Hervey Bay real estate market is represented strongly on a state and national level.
Kim currently holds the position of the Zone Chair for the Real Estate Institute of Queensland and is an executive committee member for the Fraser Coast Property Industry Association.
She is a trustworthy and highly educated agent and with the support of a team of administrators, experienced assistants and marketing professionals ensures she offers superior service like no other.
Kim’s approach is hands on, offering expert advice through the entire sales process to go above and beyond to achieve outstanding results for her clients.
#14. ROSS DAVIE
A leader in the Fraser Coast faith community, Pastor Ross Davie is respected across church, business and community circles.
Along with being the head pastor at Bayside Christian Church (he and his wife Pastor Mary-Lyn recently marked their 20-year milestone there), he is the Director of the Board at drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre Bayside Transformations, Chairman of the Hervey Bay Christian Minister‘s Association and an active member of the Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce.
From offering prayerful comfort at countless hospital bedsides to sought-after wisdom & guidance for everyone from fledgling pastors to politicians, his influence extends far beyond the four walls of the church at the Neil St site where there are plans for a major expansion and 900-seat auditorium that will double as a community convention centre.
Most recently, the Bayside music team once again headlined the Hervey Bay Carols by Candlelight event which was not only attended by thousands but also, an example of the way Ps Davie’s church continues to help spread a message of hope in tough times.
On navigating the modern world and remaining relevant with a belief system and community outreach which is still unashamedly bible-based, Ps Davie, whose Pentecostal church belongs to the same network of congregations that Prime Minister Scott Morrison attends regularly in Sydney, said “the message of hope and peace that Jesus came to earth to bring to people has never changed, but the methods and ways of communicating it are always changing”.
#13. GAIL GAULD
Gail Gauld, Fraser Coast Citizen of the Year, has given 25 years of exceptional service to the Brooweena community.
In May 1995, Gail was elected secretary of the Woocoo Historical Society, a position she held for the next 25 years.
For a period she held the treasurer’s position when there was no-one else to take on the role and is now president of the Society.
Many times the Woocoo Historical Society has struggled to fill positions on its committee but the tenacity and sacrifice of Gail has kept the organisation running.
She has done the work associated with other positions in the Society when the person was unable to fulfil their duties.
Gail was the secretary of the Teebar Management Committee and Teebar Hall caretaker for nine years.
On November 15, 2020, she was awarded the prestigious Centenary Medal by the Royal Historical Society of Queensland for contributing exceptionally to the history and heritage of Queensland, the same day she was awarded Life Membership of the Woocoo Historical Society.
All this organising is done without a mobile phone or computer, with Gail writing everything in her neat longhand or beautiful printing, including meeting minutes, invitations, thank yous, funding applications, and drafts for publications.
#12. VERONICA BIRD
The chair of the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation, Veronica Bird, has been among those who have fought for native title rights for decades.
The organisation has celebrated big wins in recent times, including the opening of an interpretative centre on Fraser Island, to which is had lent its knowledge and culture, and the renaming of Fraser Island to its traditional name, K’gari.
The return of the traditional name was the culmination of a drawn-out fight on the part of Traditional Owners.
“(This has been) a long-time call from Butchulla Elders, many of whom were present,” she said.
“Some of them, unfortunately, did not to see this come to fruition like so many of our battles, because it’s such a long journey.”
Veronica has been a strong leader for the indigenous community and spoke about the recent achievements after the island was renamed.
#11. FRANCES GALA
One of the last remaining Butchulla elders of her generation, Aunty Frances is a pioneer of Galangoor Duwalami, now the second largest Aboriginal Medical Service in Queensland with nearly 50 staff.
Galangoor Duwalami Primary Healthcare has been providing for our community since 2008.
But while the first clinic officially opened then, the ambitious dream took seed long before that.
It was the drive of Aunty Frances Gala and Aunty Coralie Ober, and their deep concerns for the indigenous communities of Hervey Bay and Maryborough that marked the beginning of an incredible journey as far back as 2002.
“This has been the dream, the strategy of the Korrawinga Aboriginal Corporation for 30 years but we had a great many other things to get going like housing, jobs and the resurrection of language and culture,” they said.
#10. DARREN EVERARD
The Fraser Coast Deputy Mayor oversees Division 7, where more than 6000 residents are registered, including those on heritage-listed Fraser Island.
With a past background in retail with international business experience in the areas of business development, training and marketing, Cr Everard has a keen interest in working with business and the community to deliver a whole of community benefit for the region.
He has a vision to turn the Fraser Coast into the events capital of regional Queensland.
Mayor George Seymour said Cr Everard was “very passionate” about the region.
“He wants to make sure we have great public spaces,” he said.
“He’s very good at networking and getting new events to the region that boost the economy.
#9. TONY NIOA
Maryborough industry leader Tony Nioa has earnt his success through building relationships, boosting his community, and staying at the forefront of an exploding industry on the Fraser Coast.
As PRD Maryborough principal who specialises in commercial, retail and industrial sales, and Regional Development Australia (RDA) Wide Bay Burnett deputy chair, Tony is an advocate for the economic development of the wider region. He helps attract investment and seize the economic opportunities for the region, often advocating to the Federal Government.
His positions allow the Maryborough businessman a first look at the projects coming to the area and puts him at the forefront of business trends.
Despite being part of countless property investments that have shaped the region’s economic and business state, it’s Tony’s dedication to community that he is most proud of.
“Maryborough has been very, very good to me and to my family over the years - we care about the Fraser Coast, we care about what happens to it,” he said.
He said he makes up just one tiny part of the collaboration that is navigating the region’s future.
“I have a reasonable perspective of what is going on around, a capacity and a platform to put that information to people that may be able to affect change.”
He thrives on being in the front line of investment that helps plan for Wide Bay’s future.
“I can see what is progressing by the enquiries that come through the office, we know that available land is critical, we see that moving forward.
“The pleasure of being in a position at a time like this where you can see long term goals coming to a fruition is great – to me it’s about seeing young people getting apprenticeships, the talk of trains being built.
“It’s the thing that money can’t buy – the sense of belonging to a community.”
It’s a passion that keeps him in the real estate game.
“If you find something that you love doing, you’ll never work a day in your life – I’ve always been a real estate guy.”
Tony is also part of the powerful Nioa family. His brother Rob, who also grew up in Maryborough, is the head of NIOA Defence and the man responsible for bringing the $60million munitions factory to Maryborough together with nephew Jackson Nioa, a St Mary‘s College alum and son of former Maryborough Councillor Anne Nioa and now, the director of Rheinmetall Nioa munitions.
#8. GLEN WINNEY
From an apprentice carpenter in 1981 to managing director of Win Projects in 2021, Glen Winney’s success can be credited to his hard work and unquenched vision for opportunity.
The prominent Hervey Bay businessman owns commercial construction company Win Construction, responsible for multi-million-dollar developments in the region and manages Win Projects, one of the Fraser Coast’s leading commercial property and project marketing agencies.
Win Projects has not only marketed major land estates such as Kingfisher Gardens and Indigo Blue but has sold hundreds of blocks during the COVID-19 pandemic including the beachfront business hub previously owned by the late Con Souvlis.
Together with his role as president of the Fraser Coast Property Industry Association (FCPIA), Glen has been responsible for driving development and shaping the Fraser Coast property landscape. He has built a solid portfolio of influential Fraser Coast commercial and construction projects, has been a UDIA Fraser Coast president and was on the Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce. He has dedicated hours to mentoring and business training and is passionate about the future of the Fraser Coast.
In his current role of FCPIA president, Glen recently voiced his support of the $93m council Hervey Bay CBD plan for its potential to bring enormous growth to the region. As the Association’s leader, Glen advocates for the best economic and employment outcomes in the Fraser Coast and is the key voice for the Fraser Coast property industry – one of the region’s largest employers.
Under Glen’s leadership his companies have thrived, with Glen often at the forefront of industry growth. In 2019, Win Constructions won the top Commercial Building up to $5m at the Master Builders Housing and Construction Awards. This is just one accolade in Glen’s growing success story.
In his time directing Hervey Bay’s first specialist commercial real estate office Century 21 Project Marketing QLD, with wife Sharyn, Glen was twice recognised as a Centurion - awarded to the top 2% of Century 21 salespeople in the world. His success and influence continues as the property and construction industries on the Fraser Coast continue to soar.
# 7. Jill Perry
Jill Perry is a pioneer of the Hervey Bay whale watching industry which injects $90million into the Fraser Coast economy.
For 30 years, she and her husband Brian nurtured an industry that would end up giving employment to hundreds of people across the region.
The Perrys retired in 2017, selling their business to their friend, John Peaker.
Brian sadly passed away in July last year.
Jill however, continues to make a valuable contribution to the region’s tourism board and was a key player in getting Hervey Bay officially recognised as the whale watching capital of the world.
#6. NANCY BATES
Best known as the long-time and first female editor of the Fraser Coast Chronicle, she was the driving force behind the region’s namesake and some of its greatest legacies.
In 1996 she was Queensland Telstra Businesswoman of the Year and in 2015, she was named Fraser Coast Citizen of the Year.
Using “her skills as an author to promote the city”, Ms Bates published a book about Maryborough’s Mary Ann, the first steam train to be built in Queensland – a replica can often be seen running joy rides through Queen’s Park – and is patron of the Proud Marys, a group which promotes Maryborough as the birthplace of Mary Poppins author P.L. Travers.
The group hosts the Mary Poppins Literacy Awards which, as a result of Ms Bates‘ promotion, attracts entrants from across the state.
The crowd heard that through Ms Bates‘ efforts, $60,000 was raised in six weeks to have the Mary Poppins statue built in Richmond St.
She was also recognised for her efforts in having a fitting memorial of Maryborough war hero Duncan Chapman, the first Anzac shore at Gallipoli, built in time for the Anzac Centenary celebrations.
Most recently she was instrumental in adding an Ataturk sculpture to the now world-class Gallipoli to Armistice War Memorial and has spearheaded both the Divine Dunnies project turning tired toilets into a centrepiece at the Town Hall Green and the campaign to have the Fraser Coast council reconsider the site for its future Maryborough headquarters.
Ms Bates says Australia and Maryborough have been “very good”, credits those close to her for putting up with an awful lot”, acknowledging that once she has a project in mind, she does “tend to go a little overboard”.
She also encouraged the community to love their region, take the time to see and explore it, contribute to it and “never forget to have fun while you are doing it”.
#5. KEN DIEHM
Ken Diehm has been the CEO of Fraser Coast Regional Council since June 2017 and has more than 34 years’ experience in local government.
He is ultimately the boss of a ratepayer funded business controlling hundreds of millions and guide post for the decisions made which impact the quality of life on the Fraser Coast.
Mr Diehm has a Bachelor of Commerce Degree, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, a Master’s Degree in Dispute Resolution, a Graduate Diploma from the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Certificate IV in Real Estate Agency Practice, and is a Prince2 Certified Project Management Practitioner.
His personal and career goal is to make a positive difference in the community he serves and in the lives of the people he works with.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said Mr Diehm was extremely knowledgeable when it came to the function of local government.
He had come into the position at a tumultuous time and had made the council a better workplace.
“He works to make sure that everyone is able to contribute at their best,” he said.
Cr Seymour said Mr Diehm had created an environment at the council where people felt comfortable and empowered to contribute.
#4. KEITH PITT
Hinkler MP Keith Pitt has been the elected member for the Hinkler electorate, which includes Bundaberg and surrounding areas, since 2013.
Re-elected in 2016 and 2019, Mr Pitt has seen some big projects around the region in his time.
2019 saw the Cashless Debit Card introduced, which was one of his signature policies.
He has also overseen the Hinkler Regional Deal, which has funded some of the region’s biggest projects.
Another one of his successes was seeing the ex-HMAS Tobruk scuttled to become a dive site.
During his time as Hinkler MP, Mr Pitt has also held key roles in government.
In 2018, he was Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister.
In 2020, he received his first cabinet appointment and was made Resources, Water and Northern Australia Minister until July.
His title then changed to Resources and Water Minister.
#3. LLEW O’BRIEN
When it comes to the choice of Wide Bay MP Llew O’Brien as one of the the region’s most influential, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce had a simple explanation.
“It’s not a beauty pageant; it‘s effectiveness. That’s why he is the most influential.”
Mr Joyce has served with Mr O’Brien in the National Party for years, a relationship which has allowed him unique understanding of the role and achievements of the Wide Bay MP who became the Australia’s Deputy Speaker.
“Llew O’Brien is the counterbalance to inner urban areas that keeps the parliament in check, otherwise all policy would be driven out of Canberra,” Mr Joyce said.
“He is one of the crucial votes that stops Labor and the Greens running the country.
“His office is the one you can go to when all else fails because you know he is the guy who will take up the fight.”
Mr O’Brien’s passion on behalf of the community has resulted in major wins for the region, including (and certainly not limited to) the fast-tracked construction of the $1b Gympie Bypass and an agreement to build a four-lane bypass at Tiaro instead of the divided two-lane initially flagged.
His work has not been without controversy, though.
In November he drew criticism for being one of two politicians to back a motion by lightning rod MP Craig Kelly to debate State Government vaccine mandates in parliament.
Mr O’Brien said his choice was driven by a belief in freedom of speech.
#2. GEORGE SEYMOUR
George Seymour was elected Mayor of the Fraser Coast in May 2018, after six years service as the Division 10 Councillor.
He had previously worked as a solicitor, a disability support worker and ran the region’s youth homeless shelter.
He researches and writes about history, architecture, literature and presents regular talks at the Fraser Coast libraries.
Cr Seymour goal as Mayor is to ensure the Fraser Coast is a vibrant, healthy and active community.
He said when he was elected mayor, following a by-election in the wake of ex-mayor Chris Loft’s sacking and amid a period of great turmoil in council ranks, work had to be done to restore trust between councillors.
“I love the job and the love the opportunity to serve the region,” he said.
New events, activities and economic opportunities had come into effect across the Fraser Coast in the past few years, Cr Seymour said.
He and wife Melissa also welcomed their first child, a son, Hugo.
In March last year, Cr Seymour was re-elected, taking more than 75% of the vote.
Maryborough MP Bruce Saunders credited Cr Seymour for steadying the ship.
“He’s kept the council focused and balanced.”
Deputy Mayor Darren Everard said Cr Seymour was good to work with and a “good boss”.
“I’ve known him for 10 years and we have a great working relationship,” he said.
“We’re all doing a good job for the region.”
#1. BRUCE SAUNDERS
No matter which side of politics you sit on, few can argue Bruce Saunders hasn’t been key in getting Maryborough back on the map in the Brisbane decision room and setting a standard for local advocacy in parliament.
Recently, the Maryborough MP announced a $238 million train factory for Torbanlea.
That is just one of the projects the three-term MP, largely credited with spearheading the revival of Maryborough manufacturing industry and known as a fierce advocate for the city with the ear of the Premier, has got over the line since being elected in 2015.
Speaking to the Chronicle before the 2017 election, he credited his parents for giving him his values.
“The grounding I got from my mother and father is what set me up for life. They were unreal parents, and that’s what set me on the right trajectory for life,” he said.
He said his interest and zest for politics began when he was eight. “With my father...my father was a candidate in Longreach, in the State seat of Gregory.”
Mr Saunders, a father-of-three who later this year celebrates his 39th wedding anniversary, said his own father lived by steadfast social justice values and beliefs, and he had been inspired by his actions and watching him help others in the community.
“He had a motto: You always leave something for the next man following.
“That’s the way I was brought up.”
Mr Saunders said his upbringing had also motivated him to reinvest in the community, and stand and fight for community and family values.
Known around town as a “traditional Labor man”, he said his priorities were housing, jobs, healthcare and education”.
“I always put people first. That’s not a slogan, that’s just what I do. That’s something that I do all the time, since I was elected in 2015.”
“I’m making sure the we get a fair share of everything that’s on offer.”
A former radio announcer at Longreach, Gladstone, Rockhampton and Maryborough - and until about a year ago an ice-cream shop owner - Mr Saunders has had 25 years of experience as a small business owner.
He’s also a member of the Together Union for public servants in Queensland, and said he “loves” the electorate which became his home during the 1980s.
“I like the people and I like working for the people of the electorate. I like being with the people and listening to the community.”
Mr Saunders said that in the past 33 months, since elected, much had been achieved for the Fraser Coast and “we want to keep going”.
“We want to keep moving forward and move the electorate forward with water security, bio products with MSF, contracts with Downer Rail and better health and education.”
Mr Saunders said he backed the timber industry “100%”, and was currently involved with the State Government‘s timber training centre.
“It’s a sustainable, renewable industry which employs a lot of people, and it’s very good. I love timber buildings - we’re getting a timber fire station here.
“And I’ve got a lot of respect for people in the timber industry.”
He believes in the iconic heritage and environmental values of Maryborough city and their potential to provide further opportunities in the area.
Local achievements in the area since 2015 include an upgrade to the administration block at Yarrilee State School, a $4.4 million performing arts facility for Maryborough State High School, $1 million for Tinana State School‘s music hall, new police and fire station at Howard, Stage 1 of a new fire station in Maryborough, road, intersection and boat ramp upgrades, restored services and upgrades at Maryborough Hospital, $10 million upgrade to the emergency department and outpatients clinic, the distribution of more than $2.6 million to more than 100 local community groups and almost $1 million in sporting grants for local clubs.
Jobs stimulation has included returning government contracts to Downer Rail, $1.25 million for the Back to Work Program facilitating 193 jobs, and reinstating Skilling Queenslanders for Work.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said Mr Saunders had done a lot for the region.
“He is an extremely effective advocate for Maryborough,” he said.
“He has ensured we are going ahead in leaps and bounds with manufacturing, roads and new infrastructure.”
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