All you need to know about the 23 TRC councillor candidates

It has been a turbulent year for the Toowoomba Regional Council leadership with several changes coming into play before the end of the term. With just days to go until the 11th councillor is selected, here is all you need to know about the nominees vying for the position.

It has been a turbulent few months for the Toowoomba Regional Council leadership with several changes occurring in the region’s leadership team in recent months, but the identity of the new and final councillor will now be revealed in less than one week.

Twenty four people nominated themselves for the eleventh position, with 23 of the candidates left in the final race and meeting all the necessary qualifications.

It comes after former Mayor Paul Antonio retired from politics earlier this year and was succeeded by former Deputy Mayor Geoff McDonald when he received an overwhelming endorsement from his colleagues during a vote at a special meeting in July.

Councillor Rebecca Vonhoff then received the required votes to become the new Deputy Mayor after two prior attempts of being appointed for the role.

Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Geoff McDonald and Deputy Mayor Rebecca Vonhoff discuss council under their leadership. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The vacant councillor position will now be decided by current councillors at a special meeting at 2pm on Tuesday, September 12, with all nominees presented with the opportunity to discuss their suitability for the role for two minutes.

With less than six months to go until the community returns to the polls to vote for the council which will serve the next term, we spoke to the candidates who have put themselves forward for the vacant job.

The Chronicle also contacted candidate Yosef Roumieh, but he declined to comment.

Nominees Brett Mullen, Douglas Doelle, Petria Grabham, Philip Spencer and Robert Relvas were also contacted but did not respond at the time of publication.

Andrew Reeson.

Andrew Reeson

Harlaxton business owner Andrew Reeson has put himself forward for the Toowoomba Regional Council seat that was made vacant when Geoff MacDonald was elevated to mayor.

Mr Reeson, who runs a leather working business with a stall at the Toowoomba Farmer’s Market, said he wanted to provide a voice for marginalised residents.

“I have two young sons and I want to make a better world for them,” he said.

“I love what I do with my leatherwork business but I want to do something with more purpose.

“I want to get to the end of my life and know that I have made a positive impact.”

Along with his popular leather working business, Mr Reeson is also behind plans to build a community orchard at Horn Park that would provide free fruit along with a space for the community to meet.

Daniel McCoy.

Daniel McCoy

For the past 20 years, Daniel McCoy and his business partner have turned a struggling concreting business into a successful one which now employees more than a dozen staff members and produces a turnover at least two million dollars a year.

Mr McCoy purchased McCoy Concreting at the young age of 18 and said the experience would assist him if he becomes the eleventh Toowoomba councillor next week.

“I think we need to see a bit more accountability in Council,” he said.

“In the morning I shovel concrete and in the afternoon I’m talking to CEO’s – I’m all about getting the job done.”

The business owner said in addition to his business experience, he had more than 50 accreditations under his belt and was set to complete a Diploma in Environmental Science soon.

Mr McCoy said his priorities would be progressing development projects and helping other businesses.

David King.

David King

A 2020 candidate who has also stood for One Nation in the past, Mr King is an academic and small business owner with a farming and logistics background.

He listed water security, infrastructure and social issues like crime as his key matters he would like to address as a councillor.

“My priorities will be water security, infrastructure and the social problems we have in the city of Toowoomba, like the stealing of cars and the crime,” he said.

“Water infrastructure, we’ve got to do something now and I believe we can do things like raising our existing dam walls to increase our capacity.

“ We’re going to be on water restrictions if we don’t increase our capacity.”

Mr King also said he wanted to offer rates relief to the region’s farmers.

He listed his experience in business and academia as key attributes that would suit the role.

“I want to listen to the people and serve the people,” he said.

Douglas Allen.

Douglas Allen

Growing up in the Toowoomba region, Douglas Allen said his main motivations for running for Council were to ensure his kids had the same opportunities he had.

Mr Allen was previously assigned to the No. 36 Squadron in the Royal Australian Air Force before returning to his hometown of Toowoomba, where he has worked as an agent for Hampton Real Estate for the past five years.

The father of two has been heavily involved in community initiatives over the years, serving as a committee member of the Hampton Festival.

In 2018, Mr Allen also founded the Toowoomba Social Rugby Association – a social rugby union competition which has been on a hiatus since Covid-19.

If selected as the eleventh councillor, Mr Allen said his priorities for the remainder of the term would be water security, strengthening rural communities in the region and infrastructure and public transport.

“We have a lot of towns like Crows Nest, Oakey, Gowrie Junction and Kingsthorpe with their own unique identities,” he said.

“It’s really important that as our city continues to grow, we work to protect those communities as we could stand to lose them otherwise.”

The Toowoomba man also studied sustainable development and environmental management at university and said he believed he could make a positive impact through Council.

Eakraj Adhikari.

Eakraj Adhikari

A former 2020 candidate, Mr Adhikari has put his hand up to fill the vacant council position.

He ran at the last election on improving access to services for social issues like homelessness and domestic violence, as well as promoting the Garden City as a national model for multi-faith diversity.

A Nepalese migrant, Mr Adhikari said he wanted to offer an example to his community of what was possible in Toowoomba.

“We talk about diversity, so I put my hand there to say that I am here to run,” he said.

“There is so much hesitation in my community – they can be anything, but they don’t it could be a politician or in a government body.

“We need to change that stereotype, we need to break that cycle and show we can do anything.”

Edwina Farquhar.

Edwina Farquhar

A noted small business owner, Edwina Farquhar is known for owning the Finch cafe with her husband as well as her involvement in various school, community and charitable causes.

While she said her experience in business would aid her on council, she described herself as a team player.

“It’s about using my existing experience and further helping the Toowoomba community,” Mrs Farquhar said.

“That’s where it comes from – I really love this city and I’d love to help into the future.

“I’ve got a business and communications background, we’ve got 50 people working under us and I’ve managed big budgets, but I’d like to understand the gaps (on council) and find out where I could help the existing councillors the most.”

Mrs Farquhar said CBD activation, infrastructure and tourism would be among her focuses if endorsed as a councillor.

“I see the biggest opportunities as I’d like to help with general infrastructure and tourism to the regions, as well as access to the CBD,” she said.

“We could look at creating other events to bring more people to town so they can spend more money.”

Ellisa Parker.

Ellisa Parker

Academic and advocate Ellisa Parker is hoping to add an “alternative voice” to the council if she is endorsed as the final member of the board for the remainder of the term.

Ms Parker, who lives in the Oakey area, said her experience campaigning for the Greens and other social causes would allow her to represent some of the region’s most disenfranchised residents.

“I decided because it’s important that the outer-lying areas of Toowoomba,” she said.

“Because I’m a Green, I want to ensure we have that alternative voice in our team.”

Ms Parker said her priorities would include housing, environmental protection and water security, among other issues.

“We are still facing challenges to deliver housing diversity, whether that’s tiny homes or detached dwellings,” she said.

“I’ll do whatever I can to help our region – I will work hard, I’m pushing that agenda so we can get more suitable housing that’s affordable and diverse.

“My main focus is on ensuring our local environment is well protected.”

Irena Kobald.

Irena Kobald

More than four decades ago, Irena Kobald relocated to Australia, spending 10 years living in the Northern Territory and some of the most remote parts of the country.

During this time, the Austrian woman said she gained an insight into some of the biggest issues and needs Indigenous people were facing.

Ms Kobald said her own experience of moving to Australia had ignited her passion for refugee and migrant issues.

This peaked her interest in nominating for the vacant Council seat.

“My main focus would be to make a positive difference in the lives of people who move here to make a new start,” she said.

“Toowoomba is doing a great job but there is a lot more (work to be done) and it’s good to bring different perspectives from different people into Council.

“I feel very fortunate to live in Toowoomba and Australia has been kind to me so now it’s time to give back.”

Ms Kobald who currently works as a languages and special education teacher at Clifford Park Special School, said if she was successful in her pursuit to join council, she would invest her time in creating a safe space for the refugee community to connect.

She said the investment in more skateboard parks would also help reduce youth crime and encourage young people to keep active.

Jane Summers.

Jane Summers

Despite entering into retirement late last year, Jane Summers said she was not “a very good retiree” as she was full of energy and had a lot to contribute to the community.

The former professor in marketing worked at the University of Southern Queensland for almost three decades and was the chairperson of the university’s Student Guild.

For seven years, Ms Summers was also the chairperson of Southern Queensland Country Tourism where she liaised with local councils across the region.

“Local government is not foreign to me as I have done a lot of community consultation work and helped Councils to develop strategies,” she said.

“I see this as an opportunity to solidify my thoughts and really test whether I would be able to make a contribution as a local Councillor before running next year.”

Ms Summers said her focus for the remainder of the term would be to work alongside the other councillors to complete projects or assist in solving issues identified in the Strategic Plan.

“My approach would be to go in, give my 110 per cent to everything, to tick as much off the Strategic Plan as possible and to ensure Council is in the best shape possible before the election next year,” she said.

“I would be honoured if Councillors decide I’m the person for this role and it’s a wonderful opportunity to bring prosperity to the region.”

Joy Mingay.

Joy Mingay

Among the 23 residents vying for the role will be Joy Mingay who ran in the 2020 Toowoomba Regional Council election.

Ms Mingay previously owned and operated her own business Classic Recruitment for 15 years before she sold the venture in December last year.

Controversially, had Mr Antonio stepped down from his position prior to March, Ms Mingay would have automatically been named the eleventh councillor due to the results of the 2020 election.

“Nothing has changed for me – I still feel the same way I did then and want to do the right thing for people who may have not had the same opportunities as I have because Toowoomba has been very good to me,” she said.

“I would like to think in six months you can get a good understanding of where things are at with projects but I would like to see less red tape for businesses and help the people who are falling through the cracks with the cost of living – we can’t leave anyone behind.”

In addition to her political pursuits, Ms Mingay was a Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce board member for more than a decade, half of which she served as president.

The mother of two then joined the boards of the Western Clydesdales Rugby League Football Club last year and Lifeline this year.

“Toowoomba is a beautiful place to live – we’re so lucky to live in the best city in the world and I just want to give back to the community which has given me so much,” she said.

“You need to think about how every decision you make will impact others, whether you’re on a board or Council.”

Kirstie Smolenski.

Kirstie Smolenski

Former nurse and mother of five Kirstie Smolenski has thrown her hat in the ring for a third attempt at a government position.

The community may recognise her from when she ran for the Toowoomba Regional Council in 2020 or as an independent candidate for Groom in the Federal election last year.

“Whether it’s the local, state or federal government, you’re still putting your hand up to be an advocate for the community,” Ms Smolenski said.

“My extensive experience in working with the people of this region has given me an understanding of who they are and the issues they face.”

Prior to joining the world of politics, Ms Smolenski worked as a registered nurse, before turning her focus to her family and joining the Parents and Friends Associations at the schools her children attended.

Health has continued to be a driving force for the Toowoomba woman who has worked at Queensland Health, St Vincent’s Hospital and currently works as an assistant nurse at Darling Downs ENT, assisting patients with head and neck injuries.

Assisting in the areas of finance management and sales, Ms Smolenski has also helped run her husband’s building company and is currently studying a Bachelor of Law at the University of Southern Queensland.

Ms Smolenski said her experience, ability to learn, dedication to work as a team for the common good and relatability would work in her favour should she be selected for Council.

Waste management and water security are some of the issues Ms Smolenski would prioritise for the remainder of the Council term.

“In the next six months my aim would be to be a functioning member of Council,” she said.

“I also think it’s really important for whoever is elected next week to guarantee they will run again (in March).

“If I’m elected, I will definitely be campaigning again in March and that’s a decision I made before putting my hand up.”

Lizzie Adams.

Lizzie Adams

Another high performer at the 2020 local government election, the CEO of Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement and president of rugby league club Brothers is another community favourite for the job.

Ms Adams revealed prior to submissions closing that she would lodge an application.

“I’m going to give it a go and throw my hat in the ring,” she said.

“If I’m successful, it will add some diversity and give some vulnerable people a voice.

“Particularly around community engagement, I can bring people together when council needs to do consultation.”

Michael Truskinger.

Michael Truskinger

For the past 21 years, Michael Truskinger has been focused on running his own sporting business True Sports, alongside his wife.

Now the Toowoomba business man has put himself forward for the vacant councillor position after he previously ran for Council in the 2020 election.

Mr Truskinger said he believed the region would benefit from new sporting facilities including a squash court, indoor facility for public use, genuine running track and stadium.

“The lack of infrastructure for sporting facilities prompted me to run in 2020 and for a region of our size, we (still) do not have a (suitable) number of facilities for this number of people,” he said.

“My regional corporate management experience combined with my local business skills for over 21 years would help me to make informed decisions on Council.

“Hopefully I can make a difference and help shape the future of our region.”

In addition to sporting facilities, Mr Truskinger said he would also prioritise the Toowoomba Fast Rail, water supply, sustainability and security.

Mikaela Smith.

Mikaela Smith

Wellcamp resident and small business owner Mikaela Smith has revealed she will apply for the vacant position, saying she was “suitable” for the short-term job.

Ms Smith is the co-owner of Smith Farming and Smith Diesel Fitting as well as the founder of Social Me, a community-led business that supports social events for women to come together for support and friendship.

She described herself as having “strong leadership skills” and the ability to juggle multiple tasks and responsibilities.

“As a councillor, I will listen to the views of all residents, elected officials and experts as well as strive to work collaboratively with resilience and integrity,” she said.

“Being elected as a councillor will not only be rewarding but a privilege, as I strongly believe it is an honour to be voted into public service.

“I have worked hard to gain the trust of the community (and will continue to do so) and strongly believe in creating meaningful and impactful change to people’s lives.”

Ms Smith and her husband Jason have been vocal advocates for more funding for local roads, highlighted by the couple’s fight with council to upgrade their own unformed road reserve.

“As a long-time Wellcamp local, in the past two years I have advocated and achieved results for my local roads and surrounding roads to be upgraded,” she said.

“I have and will continue to be a strong advocate for Wellcamp and western communities.”

Norman Garsden.

Norman Garsden

Local government veteran Norm Garsden says he wouldn’t feel out of place around the table at a council meeting – after all, he’s attended more than 600 of them.

Mr Garsden will be leaning on his 42 years of local government experience, including 18 as a CEO, to win the endorsement of Toowoomba councillors in September.

His work history covers much of Queensland, and he was the CEO of the Clifton Shire Council until amalgamation, before joining the TRC.

Mr Garsden said given the short-term nature of the appointment, he would be able to fit into the role faster than other candidates.

“To be honest, unless you’ve been in local government, it will take you six months to get around the processes,” he said.

“I’ve got that knowledge of local government I can draw upon and start performing the role from day one.

“I’ve worked in all different aspects of council activities, from rates to finance and planning, water and sewerage.”

He listed housing, water security and infrastructure as his top priorities.

Penny Houlahan.

Penny Houlahan

Proud Indigenous woman Penny Houlahan is from the Kooma Nation and before moving to Toowoomba, grew up in the small town of Dirranbandi, near St George.

Currently employed by the Brisbane Broncos, Ms Houlahan is the co-ordinator of the club’s Beyond the Broncos program for the southwest Queensland pocket.

Designed to increase attendance, grades and graduation rates, the program offers support to Indigenous high school students in their educational journeys.

Prior to the role which she has held for the past five years, Ms Houlahan previously worked at TAFE Queensland and Downlands College, but also ran for the Crows Nest Shire Council in 2000.

While the youth justice system falls within the State Government jurisdiction, the Toowoomba woman said she felt her skills and knowledge in the area could assist with the issue at a local level.

“We’re all feeling the brunt of youth crime and it’s a big issue in Toowoomba, as well as Queensland and Australia,” she said.

“My experience of working with young people has shown if we work together as a community and meet with prominent leaders and police, we can target the issue (locally).”

The mum of two who founded the Highfields and District Rugby League Juniors Club in 2005 and then the seniors in 2011, said she would also advocate for a new sporting complex.

Scot McPhie.

Scot McPhie

Scot McPhie is one person who has confirmed they will run for the vacant council spot.

The ornithologist and convener of the Darling Downs branch of Birdlife Australia is set to submit his application to the council.

He has recently been a vocal critic of the state government’s Toowoomba North South Transport Corridor, and restrictions around council tree clearing.

Mr McPhie said while his pitch to council would prioritise environmental protections, he would also want to represent rural landholders.

“The main ones are environmental, I don’t believe they’re doing enough and there’s not enough follow-through,” he said.

“They’ve had four years to do the green infrastructure strategy and they haven’t advanced it enough.

“I live in a rural area, on dirt roads and I don’t have town water or rubbish — the council is weighted towards members from city areas and I’d like to represent rural areas.

“I have a degree in anthropology and I love working with people from cross-cultural backgrounds.”