Southern Downs and Goondiwindi council elections: Your guide to who is running in 2024

Find out who’s in and who is out of the running for a seat at the table in both Southern Downs and Goondiwindi region councils ahead of this year’s local government elections. FULL LIST HERE.

As residents of the Southern Downs and Goondiwindi regions prepare to head to the ballot box on March 16, they can expect to see some new faces step up to throw their hat in the ring.

The current crop of Southern Downs councillors have had a tough trot throughout their term, with significant flooding and a pandemic bringing woes to the community, as well as several notable council controversies.

With Goondiwindi Region’s rental vacancy rate listed as the worst in the state, the current term of councillors have also had their hands full in providing housing affordability solutions to the region.

We’ve got the full list of every candidate running for re-election or to make their name on the stage of local politics.

See the list of candidates from both the Southern Downs and Goondiwindi Region below.

SOUTHERN DOWNS REGION

Mayoral candidates

MAYOR VIC PENNISI

Elected in 2020, incumbent mayor and Stanthorpe legend Vic Pennisi said he’s putting his name in the ring again, saying he has the “energy, passion and commitment to continue on”.

Pennisi swept the polls in 2020 winning 44.28 per cent of the vote after being on council for 16 years beforehand, promising a wealth of experience.

With over two decades involved in local government, the mayor will be hard to beat at the polls.

MELISSA HAMILTON

Independent candidate and first-time runner, Melissa Hamilton said her neutrality would allow her to “push at every door” to secure more investment in the region.

“I have decided to run for mayor because I believe that it is a serious position that requires leadership and professionalism. That’s what I can offer,” Ms Hamilton said.

Ms Hamilton announced that she would be an independent force in the upcoming election with a flashy billboard along the New England Highway in January and said she would bring integrity and professionalism to the role.

Ms Hamilton said the main message she had been hearing from residents across the Southern Downs was that they wanted a council that worked together.

“People are sick of ongoing division and conflict among councillors,” she said. “They expect their elected officials to co-operate and get things done.”

Ms Hamilton is originally from Central Queensland, and has worked in a variety of jobs, from FIFO mining to in a regional bank.

LINDSAY GOODWIN

Former mayoral candidate for Southern Downs Lindsay Goodwin has once again put up his hand for a chance to sit in the big chair at council. Photo Toni Somes / Warwick Daily News

Councillors in

ANDREW GALE

Former cop and driving instructor Andrew Gale is seeking re-election since first taking the job in 2020.

The incumbent councillor wrote on Facebook he was “honoured to hold the position of councillor” since 2020 and was looking forward to your support so I can continue to passionately represent you.

Mr Gale first ran for council in 2016 after being encouraged by the mayor at the time.

“It has always been and honour and privilege to represent my community and it is certainly something I will never take for granted,” he said.

STEPHEN TANCRED

Stanthorpe local Stephen Tancred has taken to Facebook to announce he’s throwing his hat in the ring for another term.

The agricultural scientist has held his position in council since voted in at the previous election in 2020.

Mr Tancred is a lifelong pillar of the Southern Downs community, heavily advocating for sustainable farming initiatives for fruit and vegetable growers.

Since his election, Mr Tancred has worked closely on major road and infrastructure, water and wastewater projects in the region.

CAMERON GOW

Having already sat through a number terms as a Southern Downs councillor, Cameron Gow announced on Facebook in January he would again be campaigning for a seat at the table.

Mr Gow has spent the better part of 20 years in local government and has led portfolios for agriculture, environment and sustainability.

CYNTHIA MCDONALD

Although Southern Downs councillor Cynthia McDonald has yet to formally respond to the Daily News, her corflutes have been spotted around the region.

SHERYL WINDLE

The previous eight years at Southern Downs Regional Council have been rewarding for Sheryl Windle, who’s faced many challenges as a local government advocate for the community.

Mrs Windle has decided she’s not ready to give up her seat on council and is committed to finding solutions to some of the major issues the region is facing.

“I’m prepared to continue my strong commitment to represent the community as a whole and to continue to collaborate with state and federal governments, and their service agencies to find a suitable solution for the lack of affordable housing in this region,” she said.

Alongside her bid to lobby for affordable housing, Mrs Windle said tourism and water security were also high priorities.

The Southern Downs saw a hefty rate increase in the 2023 budget, but Mrs Windle was confident council would work as a collective to ensure any increases were minimal.

“Council always does their utmost to spend wisely, however there have been times that projects have seen major increases in costs due to the increases across the construction industry which have been impossible to avoid,” she said.

Mrs Windle said in the past eight years council managed to significantly decrease their debt and she was confident it would continue to do so into the future.

ROSS BARTLEY

Councillors out

JO MCNALLY

Southern Downs Region councillor Jo McNally reportedly announced at a community information session early last year that she would not be contesting at the upcoming local government election.

Warwick Daily News has attempted to contact Mrs McNally for comment.

MARCO GLIORI

New councillor candidates

NICK SUDUK

Nick Suduk is the first outsider to put up their hand for a chance to be elected as a Southern Downs councillor in 2024.

Mr Suduk grew up on the Southern Downs, moving to the region in 1987 with his parents.

Apart from a short time away working in the mining industry, Mr Suduk has worked and volunteered in the region for the best part of 18 years.

Mr Suduk said his decision to run for a position on council is due to his frustration at the current lack of community involvement or consultation in some council’s decision making processes.

“I would like to see greater transparency and communication into the decisions that affect all ratepayers, (and) I would like to have a council that listens to the people,” he said.

“I have never been one to whinge about something and then not have a go at fixing it, so I am standing for people who are as frustrated as I am.

“I am community minded, enthusiastic and have the energy to work for all areas of the Southern Downs.

“I want to see the Southern Downs prosper and grow, a place where all of the community benefit.”

JOEL RICHTERS

Southern Downs councillor candidate Joel Richters.

Former state Labor candidate Joel Richters has thrown his hat in the ring to be a councillor, announcing over the weekend he would be a candidate.

Mr Richters said he was looking forward to addressing some of the region’s most pressing issues such as housing and development, transparency, growing tourism and water security.

Mr Richters has promised a higher standard for council representation and believed the electorate expected more from their elected officials.

“A council not focused on delivering for every single resident is letting good opportunities go to waste,” he said.

The healthcare worker moved to southern Queensland a decade ago after working in the army for eight years.

Mr Richters said he would be “an empathetic councillor who understands the decisions that council make can make or break lives”.

BRETT TUNBRIDGE 

First time council runner Brett Tunbridge has said he will make a difference as a councillor by making “accountability” will be his platform.

Mr Tunbridge is no stranger to the ballot box however, running in 2022 for Maranoa as a candidate for the Australian Federation Party scoring just over 1% of the vote.

“You, the electors will be my directors and I will not be dictated to by back room players,” Mr Tunbridge wrote on Facebook yesterday.

Mr Tunbridge has previously worked in retail sales, the automotive industry, and had run his own business.

“I will attempt to part of the solution, not the cause of the problem,” he said.

MORWENNA HARSELTT

KELVIN JOHNSTON

MARIKA MCNICHOL

RUSSELL WANTLING 

NOEL GROSSKOPF

SARAH DEANE

DAVID THOMPSON

CARLA PIDGEON

GOONDIWINDI REGION

Mayoral candidates

LAWRENCE SPRINGBORG

After taking out the mayor win for Goondiwindi Region in 2020, Lawrence Springborg has announced his intention for re-election in 2024.

Mr Springborg was swift to submit his nomination last week, hopeful for the chance to lead the region’s communities in 2024.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to do it again if the people of the Goondiwindi region are willing to place their confidence in me,” Mr Springborg said.

Councillors in

SUSIE KELLY

Goondiwindi Region councillor Susie Kelly announced via Facebook she is contesting to keep her seat at the table at the upcoming local government election.

Mrs Kelly was first elected as a councillor in 2020 and if successful would be entering her second term.

PHIL O’SHEA

Also putting their hand up for another term in Goondiwindi Regional Council is Phil O’Shea, who was first elected in 2020.

RICK KEARNEY

Taking to Facebook on Friday to announce his candidacy for re-election, Goondiwindi Region councillor Rick Kearney has completed five terms in council.

DEPUTY MAYOR ROB MACKENZIE

Announcing to the public back in December 2023, Goondiwindi Region deputy mayor Rob Mackenzie will be contesting a position on council for 2024.

JASON WATTS

Goondiwindi Region councillor Jason Watts announced his intention to run again last week, taking to Facebook to thank the community for their support over the past four years.

Councillors out

LACHLAN BRENNAN

Goondiwindi Region councillor Lachlan Brennan announced via Facebook in January he would not be contesting his seat at the table in the upcoming local government election.

New councillor candidates

KYM SKINNER

Swift to announce her councillor candidacy via Facebook, Goondiwindi local Kym Skinner has put her hand up for the chance of a seat at the table.

The business owner said in the post she’s driven by her ‘deep passion’ for the region and desire to contribute to the growth and prosperity of the region.

JULIA SPICER OAM

Entrepreneur and businesswoman Julia Spicer OAM has decided to throw her hat in the ring for the chance to be elected by the Goondiwindi community as a councillor for the region.

In 2022, Mrs Spicer was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for her dedication to the Goondiwindi and wider community, and was announced as Queensland’s chief entrepreneur.

Mrs Spicer said her work in a range of state and community organisations over the years has positioned her to understand the important issues that need addressing in the region.

“There’s a lot of opportunities (for growth) across the region,” she said.

“Luckily we’re a stable region and (I think) we live in one of the best council regions in Australia.”

Mrs Spicer said her leadership style focuses on collaboration and she’s not afraid to challenge the status quo or push boundaries.

The entrepreneur has successfully run her own consulting business across the South West for a number of years, and along with her husband owns and operates the Goondiwindi Business Hub.

ANTHONY HOPKINS

Goondiwindi Region 2024 councillor candidate Anthony Hopkins.

Anthony Hopkins is another newcomer to race for a position as a councillor for the Goondiwindi region.

With a background of doing contract work for a number of council regions, Mr Hopkins said he was well prepared to take on such an important role and is committed to serving the community.

“As a candidate, transparency and accountability are values I hold dear,” he said.

“I believe in open communication with constituents and am dedicated to representing their voices and concerns in the council.”

DAVID SPOONER

Goondiwindi local David Spooner has put his hand up for a chance to be elected as a councillor for the region.