Women emerge as big winners in southwest Queensland local government elections
Not so long ago, Queensland’s southwest local councils could be described as a boy’s club. However, after the most recent election, that is no longer true. See how women emerged as the big winners at the ballot box here.
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Voters made it clear last month they were sick of the status quo, making their voices heard at the ballot box by electing women to a majority of mayoral positions across our region, as well as a large number of councillors.
The wider southwest region voted for women mayors in the Southern Downs, Lockyer Valley and Maranoa women, and female councillors all across the region.
It’s a major shake-up that will see the region steered into a new age, and time will tell if they make a difference against the establishment.
To crunch the numbers, 62.5 per cent of the Southern Downs council is female, which increased to 66.6 per cent if new mayor Melissa Hamilton is included, while for the Maranoa is made up of 55.5 per cent women representatives and the Western Downs have 50 per cent.
See some of the notable winners that who are keen to bring a change to their region.
SOUTHERN DOWNS
MAYOR – MELISSA HAMILTON
New Southern Downs mayor Melissa Hamilton could have easily withdrawn from the mayoral race.
A wave of abuse was levied at her from the moment she announced her campaign.
However, she overcame the negativity to unseat long-term councillor and popular mayor Vic Pennisi.
Straight from the jump, the lawyer received abuse and criticism from anonymous trolls and public criticism – particularly about her address and how “no one had heard of her” around the region.
“It was a big task for when I decided to stand, and it was a difficult decision to make, and initially I had wanted to run for council because I lacked a bit of profile in the region,” Ms Hamilton said.
Featuring a council that is made up of five female councillors, and led by a female mayor, Ms Hamilton said the new leadership is a diverse bunch.
“We need to agree on what our priorities are. One thing I really want to focus on early is getting the basics done better, that’s something the Southern Downs needs to know they have been listened too,” she said.
COUNCIL – MORWENNA HARSLETT
A former Stanthorpe business owner, Ms Harslett swept the polls and proved to be a popular pick for voters.
She said she was absolutely thrilled about her new role on council.
“It’s nice to hear we’re leading the state trend of diversity in council,” Ms Harslett said.
“A lot of the time in my life I have come across that sort of ‘old boys culture’, and there are so many kind and generous older men in this country, but there is certainly a few that block younger people from progressing whether it’s politics, community groups or businesses.
“I don’t believe it’s a female thing, I think it’s something about change, this new council has fresh faces like Joel (Richters) or Sarah (Deane) who are younger and can bring that change.
“Different demographics are being represented by younger people, I think it just so happens a lot of the candidates putting their hand up were women.”
MARANOA
In the Maranoa, the majority of council seats are now occupied by women. Where the only women on the previous council were Julie Guthrie, Wendy Taylor, and Joh Hancock, the population of women on the Maranoa Regional Council is now five strong.
MAYOR – WENDY TAYLOR
Wendy Taylor was officially declared as the first female mayor of the Maranoa region on April 4, 2024.
Mrs Taylor said she was “honoured,” and said she couldn’t wait to get started.
“It’s very humbling and I’m very honoured,” Mrs Taylor said.
“I just want to get in and get the job started.”
When Mrs Taylor was asked how she felt about being the first female mayor of the Maranoa region, she said she thinks women are just getting more involved in council.
“Somebody’s gotta be first, looks like it’s me,” Mrs Taylor said, with a laugh.
“I just think more women are going on council than previously.
“I remember Frankie Kimlin telling me she was the only woman councillor back in her day, whenever that was, and she was on her own for quite some time.
“I don’t think it’s because of anything, I think women are just getting more involved.”
The new council in the Maranoa is evidence of this change, with five of the nine seats occupied by women.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better council,” Mrs Taylor said.
“I went out campaigning for independents, and I got every independent that was on the ballot paper.
“I think that’s the good thing about this new council – there’s lots of different personalities going to be at this table.”
Mrs Taylor said she thinks the main strength she will bring to the role will be her “integrity”.
“I aim to be open, transparent, and honest, and hardworking,” she said.
“I’m not afraid of a challenge but I know I’ll have to work hard for this. I hope people have faith in me, which I think they must do if they voted me in.
“I have a lot to learn, but I’m willing to learn.”
COUNCIL – JANE VINCENT
Jane Vincent has been elected to council for the first time in 2024.
Ms Vincent said she was excited to hit the ground running, and by what she believed the new council had to offer.
Ms Vincent said she was excited the Maranoa has its first female mayor, but she said that’s not what it’s all about.
“I think its about leadership and other values, more than male and female,” Ms Vincent said.
Ms Vincent said the new council’s strength lies in its diversity of skill, location and age.
“I think we’ve got a really great diverse group of people from different backgrounds and from different communities,” Ms Vincent said.
“Not only do we have a diverse skill set, (we’ve got) diversity around the region, and we’ve also go diversity in ages.”
Ms Vincent said she’s most excited by the “youth” at the table.
Ms Vincent referred to councillors like John Birkett, Brendan Seawright, Cameron O’Neil and Amber Davis, who all have young families in the area.
COUNCIL – AMBER DAVIS
This term will also be the first for Amber Davis on the Maranoa Regional Council.
Ms Davis said she was also keen to hit the ground running.
“I’m excited and keen to start the job – roll up my sleeves and get on with it,” Ms Davis said.
Ms Davis said she thought the strength of the council would be coming to decisions that reflect the best interests of the community.
“I’m really looking forward to the next four years,” Ms Davis said.
“I definitely think it’s a bigger representation. I think it will get some good outcomes because its reflective of the demographics.”
Ms Davis said she was optimistic that there were four councillors with young families, which she said would promote the “good community lifestyle” she loved about the Maranoa.
MURWEH
The previous term of council in the Murweh Shire consisted of exclusively men.
This year, two of the five seats will be occupied by women in Michelle Ebsworth and Teri Sommerfield.
Re-elected mayor of the shire, Shaun (Zoro) Radnedge said he was very excited to work with all the councillors.
“I’m looking forward to working with the new councillors, but also the re-elected councillors,” Mr Radnedge said.
“There’s a good mix in the room with experience and youth.”
COUNCIL – MICHELLE EBSWORTH
Michelle Ebsworth dominated in the polls in the 2024 election. Of 2384 total formal ballots submitted, 1475 voted for Ms Ebsworth to represent them, meaning that more than 60 per cent of voters in the region put the newcomer on their ballot.
Ms Ebsworth said it was a “wonderful privilege” to be elected as a council member.
She said that she was looking forward to working hard, and with a diverse team.
“I’m looking forward to a lot of hard work,” Ms Ebsworth said.
“It’s great to have some fresh perspectives in our shire with a lot of experience as well.”
COUNCIL – TERI SOMMERFIELD
Teri Sommerfield also convincingly secured her seat at the table in the election, with the support of more than 50 per cent of voters.
Ms Sommerfield also previously said she wanted more diversity on council.
“I wanted to see a wider array of interests represented on the council. I want to be a part of positive change and the future of our community,” Ms Sommerfield said.
BALONNE
In the Balonne Shire, Samantha O’Toole was re-elected as mayor for her second term as mayor, and her third term on council.
Ms O’Toole will be on council in the good company of both experienced and new councillors.
“We have a lot to do and I’m looking forward to working with this new team of Councillors to deliver for the people of Balonne,” Ms O’Toole said.
“I congratulate all of the candidates that sought to represent the shire and welcome all of the successful councillors that now make up this new team.
“I would like to thank everyone who stepped up to the plate and held the position of councillor in the 2020-24 term, as your valued contribution is greatly appreciated.”
On the council, three of seven seats are occupied by women, an increase of one since the previous term.
The council is made up of returning councillors Robyn Fuhrmeister, Scott Scriven and Bill Winks, and new councillors Michaela Christensen, Jason Southern and Andrew Dries.
PAROO
Suzette Beresford was re-elected as the mayor of the Paroo Shire, in an incredibly tight competition.
Ms Beresford ultimately won with 28.06 per cent of the vote, but there was a relatively even split of votes across the four candidates.
Of the further four seat on the Paroo Shire Council, two are filled by women with Jo Woodcroft and Corissa Jackson, making the Paroo Shire yet another southwest regional council with a female majority.
LOCKYER VALLEY
Six-term local government veteran and two-term mayor Tanya Milligan held firm against a strong challenge from small business owner Kyle Burnett to claim the top job at the Lockyer Valley Regional Council.
Ms Milligan, who is now in her third consecutive term as mayor, said she was looking forward to guiding new councillors on what may be a “steep learning curve”.
“It is such a privilege to lead our region and one I take very seriously, and I thank the community for their vote of confidence,” she said.
Julie Reck and Cheryl Steinhardt are the two new female councillors to join Lockyer Valley Regional Council.
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