Laurence Bonaventura to run for mayor of Mackay region in 2024

Laurence Bonaventura has launched himself into a now three-way race for leadership of the Mackay region and he’s already got the backing of many colleagues including NRL legend Marty Bella.

Councillor Bella endorses Bonaventura in bid for mayorship.

Third-term Mackay Regional Councillor Laurence Bonaventura has announced his intentions to run for mayor and he’s already got the backing of outspoken colleague Martin Bella.

“I think it’s wonderful,” Mr Bella said following the announcement on Saturday.

“Laurence is one of those blokes that has got in and got his hands dirty.”

An independent like Bella, Bonaventura has been serving his community since 2012 holding waste, health and regulatory services portfolios as well as maintaining positions on transport and parking advisory boards and representing Mackay on the North Queensland Sports Foundation.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson and third generation Habana resident and Councillor Laurence Bonaventura have served on the Regional Council together since 2016. Picture: Heidi Petith

Councillor Bonaventura is well known for his work in his hometown of Habana, as well as his volunteering with Vinnies.

“Nothing drives me nuts more than politicians who show up for a photo op and leave before breaking a bead of sweat,” Mr Bella said.

“That’s not what Laurence is like.”

No a stranger to hard work, Councillor Bonaventura has worked in sugar cane farming, earth moving and construction - three of Mackay’s key industries.

“I would vote for him,” Mr Bella said.

“If I could he’d get my first, second and third preference.

“I’m surprised and it’s honestly nice to see an alternative candidate who’s not linked to a team,” Councillor Belinda Hassan, who is also running as an independent, added.

“Anyone who puts their hand up to be mayor is a brave person.

“I’ll work with whoever gets elected.”

Mr Bonaventura’s announcement has turned the Mackay local election into a three-way race for mayor between incumbent Greg Williamson, who is at the head of his own team, and Steve Jackson, who is leading a team of new candidates.

“Now is not the time for change,” Councillor Michelle Green, a staunch supporter of the incumbent mayor and member of Team Greg Williamson, said.

“The Mackay region needs to have an experienced pair of hands steering the ship.

“My support is 100% behind maintaining Greg Williamson as the Mayor.”

“They don’t get ‘hands on’, but Laurence does,” said Councillor Fran Mann. Picture: Zizi Averill

Mayor Williamson has been a big supporter of growth and development in the Mackay region.

Councillor Fran Mann however, an independent candidate who has broken with Mr Williamson’s team, said she believed Mr Bonaventura was a “fantastic” option.

“I think it gives us another real alternative.

“He has a long history of volunteering in the region so he can relate to people on all levels.

“He will be absolutely fantastic for the region.

“I believe I will be voting for him.”

Former Canberra Raiders grand final hero and Queensland Origin forward Steve Jackson is running for mayor of the Mackay Region. Photo: Supplied

“He’s been around a long time, he definitely knows Mackay,” Queensland Origin Steve Jackson said.

The challenger for mayor, Lenards franchise owner and former rugby player announced his intention to challenge Mayor Williamson in July 2023.

Off the ashes of the Greg Williamson alliance rises Team Williamson. Photo: Fergus Gregg

Independent councillor and former member of the Williamson Alliance, Pauline Townsend, also backed Mr Bonaventura.

“I’ve heard so many comments from people over the last few months about wanting a third choice, they have that now,” she said.

“I have to say he’s one of the hardest working councillors.

“If the community reaches out he always acts on it.

“Laurence’s heart is in his community and I’m really pleased.”

Independent councillor Russel Seymour added “I will be voting for him,”.

“It is time for a change,” Mr Bonaventura in his announcement on Facebook on January 20.

“This is a big decision that I haven’t taken lightly.

“For the sake of the council and the community, I think we should have independent mayors and councillors,” said Councillor Alison Jones, who has also finished her third term on the Regional Council.

The Mackay Regional Council has been led by Mayor Williamson and his teams for two terms now.

Councillor Alison Jones, who has also finished her term on the council, said “for the sake of the council and the community, I think we should have independent mayors and councillors”.

“I believe teams shouldn’t be in local government,” she said

“Teams split and divide the council.”