Steve ‘Jacko’ Jackson’s Mackay First team: Meet the candidates
Former MP George Christensen has slammed councillors as stale and boring money squanderers during the campaign launch of the Mackay First party led by NRL great Steve Jackson.
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Mayoral hopeful Steve ‘Jacko’ Jackson has outlined his “vision” for the Mackay region alongside his team of councillor candidates that includes renegade former Dawson MP George Christensen.
The Caneland Central Lenards store owner and NRL great officially launched the Mackay First party’s campaign at Wests Leagues Club on Thursday, declaring his team’s three-pronged vision was to “ignite pride”, “empower growth” and “bring back unity”.
Mr Jackson recalled how proud he was to be labelled as a “Mackay boy” while playing for the NRL raiders in the 90s before stating the region had since “lost its way” and character, with popular events like Macs Speedway and the Sugartime Festival now relics of the past.
He then took a swipe at the council removing Seaforth’s Jim Adams Memorial Park to make way for a multimillion dollar waterpark, calling it disrespectful when considering Mr Adams was instrumental in connecting water services to the area.
Mr Jackson said he struggled to think of anything the region did better than other Local Government Areas including cane farming, adding the council must better promote the “jewel in the crown” blue Pioneer River, relocate the tourism centre which at the Bluewater Lagoon was deterring grey nomads, and do something about the vacant buildings in the CBD.
But when asked what tangible actions his team would take to fix the CBD, he stated they would sit down and talk to the building’s owners, admitting he did not know what solutions the current council had already tried.
Mr Jackson also said innovation was lacking in the mining and agriculture sectors but after it was countered to him that the region’s METS sector had actually invented and patented myriad products, he deferred to team member Lindsay Temple.
Mr Temple said he wanted to see pest and disease research return to Mackay with many agricultural buildings having been sold across the region.
He cited the sale of the former Sugar Research Institute Building along Nebo Rd which he said was now part of the university. That building is in fact now St Catherine McCauley College, a Catholic secondary school.
Mr Jackson then said they would collaborate to devise answers to key issues with candidate Kylie Stanton chipping in that all new councillors must start somewhere when gaining knowledge and experience.
Mr Jackson, whose speech made numerous references to his football days, also addressed his criticism of the mayor race being a popularity contest.
He admitted he would do whatever it took, including seeking endorsements from fellow footy greats, to promote his team and secure a win.
Mr Christensen said the party would release a five point action plan in coming weeks detailing how it would tackle roads, rates, rubbish, growing the economy and strengthening the community.
Having himself gained a reputation for elaborate stunts to campaign for major road projects, Mr Christensen said the team would “drag” state and federal politicians to the region to ask, “What the hell is happening?”
He vowed he was not afraid to bite the hands that fed money into council’s coffers and he “pitied” any state government that wished to go “head to head” with them.
Mr Christensen revealed the “pivotal moment” spurring him to re-enter the political arena was the mismanagement and squandering of millions on the Bluewater Quay, calling the current council tired, stale, boring and lacking enthusiasm unlike Townsville City Council whose councillors presented a “united” and “energetic” front at “government’s doorstep”.
But footy stars and ex-MPs aside, who fills out team Jacko?
Meet the candidates who are claiming to put Mackay first.
George Christensen
The former member for Dawson, George Christensen has returned to his old stomping grounds of Mackay to run for councillor.
George Christensen entered politics as a Mackay City Councillor in 2004 and served as a member on the regional council in 2008 after amalgamation.
Mr Christensen is best known for his career in federal parliament, which began in 2010.
After being elected as the LNP candidate for the seat of Dawson, he began a four term tenure which ended when he resigned from the LNP.
He would end up joining Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Party in an unsuccessful bid for the senate. He remains a member of One Nation.
During his time in parliament, Mr Christensen has held and promoted political beliefs such as climate denial, Islamophobia, anti-lockdown and anti-vaccine rhetoric during the COVID-19 pandemic and staunch opposition to abortion.
Ian Christensen
Father of George and a former council candidate himself, Ian Christensen has once again thrown his hat into the ring.
Previously running in 2016 as part of Justin Englert’s team, Mr Christensen has found a new team and leader in Team Jacko Mackay First.
A small-business owner, Mr Christensen is proud of his roots in the region claiming connection to one of the regions pioneers on his maternal great-grandmother's side.
Having worn many hats over the course of his career including those of a taxi driver, soil tester, drill rig supervisor, machinist engineer and finally small business owner, Mr Christensen believes he can bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the community.
“I’m running for council because I am passionate about giving back to the place that has shaped me,” he said.
Mr Christensen wants to revitalise community spirit and work on sustainable initiatives as a councillor, but he has outlined bringing back the Sugar Time Festival, which ran until 2002, as one of his main goals.
On his sons politics Mr Christensen has said that “generally we see eye-to-eye, but we differ on a few issues”.
When asked which issues, he did not specify.
Mr Christensen has been involved in his community through his work with the Parents Against Ice Group and support of his local RSL.
Nathenea MacRae
The person who personally recruited Steve Jackson and a two time council candidate, Nathenea MacRae has a “motivation” to serve her community.
An administrator at Professional Inspectors, a family business run by father and fellow candidate Jeff Keioskie’s, Ms MacRae is hoping to foster regional pride among Mackay residents.
“My desire is to preserve Mackay’s history while propelling the region forward,” she said
“I aim to support businesses of all sectors.”
Knowing Mr Jackson through a mutual friend, Nathenea approached him and after discovering that his “vision” aligned with hers, invited him to join the Mackay First team as it’s leader.
“I have belief in his potential to contribute positively to the Mackay,” she said.
In her private time Ms MacRae has worked with the Mackay Street Chaplaincy, a religious group that aims to “ensure people stay safe while enjoying a night out”.
She has also volunteered with the ADRA Op Shop and was involved with the Dancing Together initiative.
She has said that if elected she would prioritise tackling affordability in the Mackay region and support businesses.
Kylee Stanton
A former Federal Candidate for the One Nation Party, Kylee Stanton has elected to run in the March 2024 local election as part of Jacko’s Team.
Mrs Stanton believes that the current council is “struggling to serve the community’s basic needs”.
A small-business owner, she said, “I can sit back and complain, or I can stand up and try to do something about it.”
Transitioning from the One Nation party to local politics, Ms Stanton was impressed by the Mackay First Team, but “most of all I was impressed by Jacko”.
“What you see is what you get,” she said.
A native to Devereux Creek, she and her husband serve on the Rural Fire Brigade and if elected, Ms Stanton would like to “audit” and “investigate” the previous councils spending.
Melissa Fowler
Owner of three of Mackay’s Stellarossa Cafes, Mel Fowler wants to be a part of positive change for the Mackay region.
“We need to bring back pride to our region,” said Ms Fowler.
Born and raised in the region, Ms Fowler has four sons and two grandsons, which has led to her wanting to to promote affordable family activities as a part of council.
Ms Fowler made her decision to run for council when she was visited by Steve Jackson at one of her shops in 2023.
“I’ve known Jacko now for around 20 years through sport and business … and he told me all about deciding to run for mayor.
“I decided I wanted to support him.”
Namarca Corowa
Connecting Team Jacko Mackay First to the region’s troubled past is candidate Namarca Corowa.
The descendant of a ‘blackbirded’ family and with Indigenous ancestry on his father's side, Mr Corowa was born and raised in Mackay and is passionate about working with the community.
“The two biggest issues we have in Mackay are domestic and family violence and youth crime,” he said.
Mr Corowa is the director of Reconcile Life, an organisation works with different levels of government to support victims of domestic violence and at risk youths.
While being proud to have Mackay as a hometown, Mr Corowa does not shy away from it’s history.
“John Mackay was a slave trader,” he said.
“To me that’s what Paxton markets were, the place where South Sea islanders were sold.
“This region, if it has an understanding of its history, can be a source of pride.
“I feel I can bring an alternative perspective that we haven’t had within our council in terms of Indigenous points of view.”
Mr Corowa wants to tackle the issue of affordability as a councillor, stating a desire to review and possibly reduce rates.
Heath Paton
Popular hairdresser and father of two, Heath Paton, wants to play a role in choosing Mackay’s “direction”.
The owner and manager of Heath Paton Hair For Men barbershop at Canelands for 12 years, Heath describes himself as a very creative man.
Involved in the hairdressing industry as a form of “self-expression”, Heath has used his shop to create a safe community space, particularly for men.
“I speak at high schools occasionally, coach soccer at the Magpies club and do a lot of outreach work to promote men’s mental health,” said Mr Paton
“Haircutting is a by-product, the community I’ve made is priority one.
“I feel like I have a lot in my arsenal for Mackay.”
Approached by Steve Jackson and asked to join his team, Heath was given the “hard sell” and decided to join Team Jacko.
“In some ways, I see Mackay as a blank slate, a clear canvas that we can build and improve,” he said.
“I want to focus on building a stronger community presence and hear from the community.
“Mackay is our own little utopia in the making.”
Lindsay Temple
The former Dawson chairman of Bob Katter's Australian Party, Lindsay Temple has returned to politics with his sights set on the Mackay Regional Council.
“This isn’t about me,” said Mr Temple.
“It’s about getting it right for our kids and grandkids.”
Unsuccessful in runs for both state and federal seats, Temple has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with Mackay’s planning and infrastructure management “never being right”.
Temple is motivated by his frustration with perceived deficiencies in Mackays town planning, saying “instead of focusing Mackay’s industrial development in Paget, it should have been spread out over multiple areas connected by the ring roads.”
A big believer in teams, whether they’re football teams or companies, Mr Temple wants to “bring unity and pride to Mackay.”
“Steve is just the bloke to do all that.”
In his tenure as the Dawson chairman of KAP, Mr Temple was a part of the decision to disendorse Justin Englert as a candidate for the party due to his support of same-sex marriage.
When asked for a comment on that decision Mr Temple said, “What they do in their own home and in their own backyard is their business.”
Mr Temple later resigned from the position due to “personal issues” and dissatisfaction with the party’s direction.
If elected to council, Mr Temple would like to focus on supporting the homeless and road safety.
Jeff Keioskie
“Dedicated family man” and building inspector, Jeff Keioskie is putting himself forward for council so he can “advocate” for the people of Mackay.
A self-professed libertarian, Mr Keioskie wants to encourage local growth and businesses.
From his time in the building industry as a contractor, carpenter and site project manager where he won several Housing Industry Building awards, to his contributions to the community as SES welfare manager for his church, Mr Keioskie feels he has an “unwavering” commitment to Mackay.
If elected Mr Keioskie intends to be an advocate for fiscal responsibility as part of Jacko’s Team.
Keith Hicks
A newcomer to the Mackay region — and potential newcomer to the council — is 49 year old Keith Hicks.
Originally from Victoria, Mr Hicks joined the Australian Defence Force at the age of 16 and has since worked as a tradesman, franchisee of a Brisbane Pizza Capers and as the owner of a sheet metal business.
“I won’t ask somebody to a job I won’t do myself,” he said.
“I want to serve the community.”
Mr Hicks relocated to the Mackay region in 2022 and is looking to get involved in his new community.
“I just want to make the world a better place and we have to start that at a local level.”
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