Live blog: Toowoomba council endorses new deputy mayor Rebecca Vonhoff under Geoff McDonald at special meeting

Rebecca Vonhoff has become deputy mayor of the Toowoomba region, a role she made a bid for twice previously. Here is what she is pledging to voters and her colleagues:

A "grateful" Rebecca Vonhoff has pledged to work collaboratively with her colleagues after being appointed deputy mayor on her third attempt this term.

Ms Vonhoff was endorsed by councillors to be the deputy under new Toowoomba mayor Geoff McDonald, following a quick  meeting on Friday afternoon.

The first-term councillor received the required votes as the first nominee for the job, which also included tilts from Megan O'Hara Sullivan, Tim McMahon and Kerry Shine.

Speaking after the meeting, Ms Vonhoff said she would prioritise "honesty and transparency" in the role.

Councillor Rebecca Vonhoff at a special meeting of Toowoomba Regional Council to endorse new deputy mayor, Friday, July 28, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

"I'm a bit overcome, this is the third time this term I've stood for the deputy mayoralty and I'm just so grateful for my colleague's support, my community's support and my family support," she said.

"Honesty and transparency is what the community expects and I think they know they can get that.

"I really truly work collaboratively. My voting record shows it's been a lonely vote now and again, but I hear what my colleagues say and I can be convinced by what they say, because I respect their opinions.

"In politics, you keep things moving, and what we saw is a great start and a fresh start."

TRC Mayor Geoff McDonald congratulates Councillor Rebecca Vonhoff after she is elevated to the position of deputy mayor following a special meeting, Friday, July 28, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Mr McDonald voted for Ms Vonhoff in line with his pledge to vote for all nominees for deputy mayor.

"We're going to be working closely together," Ms Vonhoff said of the mayor.

"I supported the mayor last Friday and I think it's an important relationship - what we've seen are green shoots."

Mr McDonald, who had beaten Ms Vonhoff twice for the role during former Mayor Paul Antonio's tenure, congratulated her on the achievement.

"This is a new start and every new start gives us an opportunity to re-focus and continuously improve, but at the core we are elected representatives and we are determined to do our best," he said.

“As a united team, we’re committed to working collaboratively in the best interests of our community."

The role was resolved within 30 minutes, with all four candidates giving short speeches on their credentials.

While Ms Vonhoff spoke about her "demonstrated respect" for colleagues, Ms O'Hara Sullivan followed by positioning herself as a "calm, considered" person for the role.

"My vision for the deputy mayor is someone who can support the mayor, and I have shown I am a calm, considered person that has consistently supported the mayor," she said.

"I won't say it's been chaotic, but there have been some contentious issues this term, and I don't think I've been at the centre of those issues in this term."

Mr Shine leant on his experience as a long-standing politician at a state and local level, while Mr McMahon said he was a team player.

Nominations are now open to fill the vacant council position the remainder of the term.

Mr McDonald, who succeeded veteran mayor Paul Antonio after the overwhelming endorsement of colleagues last Friday, said whoever became deputy mayor would need to reflect and support the new regimen laid out by councillors at a meeting following his appointment on Friday, which focused on transparency and inclusivity.

“(I want it to) be someone who embodies the qualities what we spoke about as a group after the meeting — it’s about supporting each other and … giving everybody a chance to feel and be valued,” he said.

Re-live the action in our live blog below:

Updates

4:30 pm July 28, 2023

Vonhoff the new deputy

Will Hunter

Rebecca Vonhoff has received the required votes to be named deputy mayor of Toowoomba Regional Council.

The votes came from herself, Bill Cahill, Nancy Sommerfield, Carol Taylor, Melissa Taylor and mayor Geoff McDonald.

4:20 pm July 28, 2023

'Contentious issues this term'

Will Hunter

Tom Gillespie

Some interesting comments from Megan O'Hara Sullivan in her pitch.

"Deputy mayor is not something that I have lobbied for or jostled for. I have always wanted to be a team player before I felt I had a position where I was elevated above other people."

"I do think having a female in that position shines a different light on the positions of mayor and deputy mayor."

"I won't say it's been chaotic, but there have been some contentious issues this term, and I don't think I've been at the centre of those issues in this term."

4:15 pm July 28, 2023

'I've demonstrated my respect'

Tom Gillespie

Rebecca Vonhoff on why she should be deputy mayor:

"Councillors, what we do in these seats, in this job, is we work for the community. From the Harristowns to the Hadens, we focus on the community."

"In the past 3.5 years, I've demonstrated my respect for what each of us brings. I could spin around this room and easily talk about the moments where a colleague has a raised a point I haven't considered."

"I humbly ask for your support today, so the community gets the best of us, drawing on each of our contributions – equal, valued, worthy and respected as they are."

4:06 pm July 28, 2023 Highlight

Four nominees for deputy mayor

Tom Gillespie

Bill Cahill has nominated Rebecca Vonhoff for deputy mayor.

James O'Shea has nominated Megan O'Hara Sullivan.

Both Kerry Shine and Tim McMahon have nominated themselves.

Nominees will get two minutes to speak, after which they will vote on each nominee in order.

4:02 pm July 28, 2023 Highlight

Geoff McDonald opens the meeting

Tom Gillespie

After Mr McDonald has opened the meeting, the council will call for nominations for deputy mayor.
Once nominations close, potential conflicts of interest will be raised by councillors if they are required.

3:22 pm July 28, 2023

Meeting to start at 4pm

Tom Gillespie

New mayor Geoff McDonald is expected to open the special meeting at City Hall at 4pm.