Bruce Simpson elected mayor in Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council election
The Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council is the first in Queensland to swear in a new mayor along with three new councillors, as an incumbent keeps his seat. Full results here.
South Burnett
Don't miss out on the headlines from South Burnett. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire council has elected a new mayor along with three new councillors.
Incumbent councillor Tom Langton has also been re-elected.
Cherbourg voters lined up to have their say at polling booths on Saturday.
As the numbers trickled in, Bruce Simpson maintained his lead right to the end in the mayoral race with incumbent Elvie Sandow falling short.
During the swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday morning, Mr Simpson held back tears as he made his first speech as mayor.
“I’m excited for the next four years … we stand on the shoulders of great pioneers, we stand on the knowledge and the cultural pathways that shape who we are,” he said.
Incumbent councillors Fred Cobbo, Bronwyn Murray, Leighton Costello and Deputy Mayor Tom Langton were all recontesting their seats.
However, three fell short with only Mr Langton remaining once the final count was tallied.
The three new councillors are Carla Fisher, Gordon Wragge and Daniel Weazel who will serve alongside Mr Langton.
Incumbent councillors Fred Cobbo, Bronwyn Murray and Leighton Costello lost their seats.
Returning officer Eric Law confirmed the Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council was the first to be declared in Queensland.
These are the latest numbers, according to the ECQ website:
Mayoral Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council election
Bruce Simpson 52.91 per cent (Elected)
Arnold Murray 20.63 per cent
Elvie Sandow 26.46 per cent
Division 1 Vote (Four candidates to be elected)
Bronwyn Murray 5.95 per cent
Elgan Saunders 5.95 per cent
Errol Simpson 9.39 per cent
Carla Fisher 11.42 per cent (Elected)
James Dodd Saltner 8.31 per cent
Gordon Wragge 9.80 per cent (Elected)
Luella Watson 9.59 per cent
Leighton Costello 6.22 per cent
Daniel Weazel 10.81 per cent (Elected)
Cindy Button 4.46 per cent
Thomas Langton 11.08 per cent (Elected)
Fred Cobbo 7.03 per cent
Heartbreak as family’s ‘dream home’ razed by inferno
The family of a popular couple influential in Australia’s horsing and cattle industry whose home was destroyed in a devastating fire, have spoken about the extraordinary efforts to try to save the rural property.
Fire starts in kitchen after occupant leaves for work
Firefighters were called to multiple incidents overnight, including a fire in a kitchen and a nasty crash where they had to cut the driver free from the vehicle.