Jan Hegge (formerly Carlson) elected as newest Fraser Coast councillor

The Fraser Coast council has a new Division 7 representative after a marathon meeting in which 25 nominees pitched for the position.

New Division 7 councillor Jan Hegge.

A new councillor has been elected for Division 7, just weeks after the resignation of former deputy mayor Darren Everard.

After five-minute presentations were given by 25 of the 26 nominated people, at a special meeting of the Fraser Coast Regional Council, Jan Hegge (formerly Carlson) was elected by the 10 remaining councillors after it was put to a vote.

In the end it was a straightforward decision, after it was stated at the beginning of the meeting that a tie that could not be resolved by preferences could mean the decision on electing the newest councillor could come down to drawing a name out of a hat.

Fraser Coast Council in September 2023 after the decision to put Jan Hegge in to Division 7.

Cr Hegge, a former local small business owner who has worked in the government and not-for-profit sectors and served three years as an Alderman on the Maryborough City Council, said she was honoured to have the opportunity to serve the residents of Division 7 and the Fraser Coast region.

“I am delighted to have been appointed Councillor for Division 7,” she said.

“I take this role and responsibility very seriously.

“I am eager to engage with the community and Councillors to take our region forward and ensure the Fraser Coast is a great place to live, work and play.”

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said Mrs Hegge would hit the ground running as she had previously been a councillor in Maryborough.

World’s youngest Zonta president, Sara Faraj. Photo: Facebook

“I’ve met with her since, she’s very, very excited, very optimistic, she wants to get in and help.”

Mr Seymour said he knew Mrs Hegge through her work in the community, particularly her work with WeCare2.

He had come to know her during his time on council through her role at the organisation.

Ahead of the election in March next year, Mr Seymour said he was sure there would be a big field of candidates.

“It was really inspiring to see the depth of people who want to contribute,” he said.

During the special meeting, the nominees had the opportunity to address the councillors for five minutes.

Only one, former councillor Sue Brooks, did not make a presentation.

Former councillor David Dalgleish.

She was sick with Covid, but remained eligible ahead of the vote.

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 was required by law to fill the position through appointment rather than a by-election.

Whale watching guru Andrew Ellis was one of the nominees, and spoke of his time working in the industry.

He spoke of sustainability and being the “custodians of the region”.

David Dalgleish emphasised his experience as a former councillor and his ties to the Division 7 community.

Sara Faraj, who at 22 is the youngest ever president of a Zonta club, shared her story of how she became committed to volunteering and providing service to the community, while also being an ambassador for young people.