ELECTION: ON THE FRONT-LINE

Queenslanders will go to the polls this Saturday, March 16 for the 2024 local government elections.

In the Burdekin, two people are vying for the position of Mayor of Burdekin Shire Council, while 13 people are campaigning for six seats on the council.

On Saturday, you will be asked to place the number 1 next to the mayoral candidate you’d like to vote.

You will then be asked to place the numbers 1 to 6 next to the councillor candidates you’d like to vote for – the order of these numbers has no affect on your vote.

In Burdekin Life’s final election feature, we’re getting to know the candidates on a more personal level.

Read on to discover their responses and grab next week’s edition of Burdekin Life for the results.

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Where To Vote On Saturday

Ayr

   • PCYC Burdekin, 164 MacMillan Street

   • East Ayr State School, 43 Ross Street

Home Hill

   • St Colman's School, 94 - 100 Eleventh Avenue

Clare

   • Clare State School, Larkin Street

Giru

   • Giru CWA Hall, 9 Carey Street

Where To Vote Early

   • Burdekin Sports Club Hall, 142 Wickham Street, Ayr (open Thursday March 14, 9:00am to 5:00pm, and Friday March 15, 9:00am to 6:00pm)

*breakout box*

Your Mayoral Candidates

   • Pierina Dalle Cort

   • Lyn McLaughlin

Your Councillor Candidates

   • Amanda Hall

   • Michael Detenon

   • Scott Worlein

   • Michael Fraser

   • Jayson O’Keeffe

   • Delfine Marisa Vasta (Fina)

   • Llewelyn Davies

   • Max Musumeci

   • Michael Backo

   • Mark Haynes

   • John Furnell

   • Warren Francis

   • Callan Oar

(Candidates listed in the order they will appear on the ballot paper)

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Warren Francis

Councillor Candidate

Tell us about where you have lived over the course of your life:

I was born and grew up in the Brisbane bayside and southern suburbs. I moved around quite a bit with Queensland Police. After I finished at Queensland Police, the opportunity arose to work for Burdekin Shire Council as the Disaster Management Officer. With my love of water, boats, and my previous connection to the Burdekin, it wasn’t a hard choice to make. We have lived here five and a half years.

What careers, education and experience has led you to this point?

As a Boilermaker, I worked a six-month contract at the Inkerman Mill. At age 19, I joined the Australian Army as an Infantry soldier and was deployed overseas for five months. I spent 37 years with the Queensland Police. I currently work as the Disaster Management Officer at Burdekin Shire Council.

Tell us a bit about you:

I have two boys – the eldest is a Detective Inspector in the NSW Police, the younger is a Guidance Counsellor in Catholic Education in regional Queensland. My partner and I have two small dogs. In my free time I volunteer with Burdekin SES where I am the Local Controller

Here’s your 80-word elevator pitch – what makes you the best candidate for the job?

All the candidates bring something unique to the table. My insight into the workings of Local Government will be helpful to me especially in the initial days settling into my new role as a Counsellor. My experience as a Queensland Police Officer has given me skills in dealing with people in high pressure and sometimes tragic situations.

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Pierina Dalle Cort

Mayoral Candidate

Tell us about where you have lived over the course of your life:

 My parents were cane farmers, and I am the eldest of eight children – five brothers and two sisters. I am second generation born and raised here in the Burdekin.

 What careers, education and experience has led you to this point?

I was educated here in the Burdekin. I don’t have an academic degree, but I do have a Q.B.E. – Qualified by Experience. I worked with the Department of Justice at the Magistrates Court House, Ayr for 10 years before going into business, Helloworld Travel Ayr. I have had 12 years’ experience as a councillor, so I do have the runs on the board for the position of Mayor.

Tell us a bit about you:

I have a wonderful supportive partner Trevor and our Pomeranian fur baby ‘Della’. We love watching movies and going down the creek to chill out. Over the years I have been involved with many organisations, Ayr Show Society, Tourism Association, Zonta Club to name a few. I was president of the Ayr Chamber of Commerce for six years.

 Here’s your 80-word elevator pitch – what makes you the best candidate for the job?

I believe the Burdekin has not reached its full potential and change is overdue to rebuild the local population and economy. If elected I will be delivering positive and sustainable change across critical areas including housing shortages, growth, and development. With a team of elected councillors, I want to drive together meaningful change that will keep the spirit of Burdekin Shire alive for generations to come. 

Mark Haynes

Councillor Candidate

Tell us about where you have lived over the course of your life:

My family moved from Brisbane to the Burdekin when I was three. My parents took over the general store in Brandon. Along with sisters Debbie and Julie, I attended St Francis Primary School then onto Burdekin Catholic High School and Ayr High School. I bought my first house in Home Hill, then moved to Brandon, built a house and have now been living in Ayr for the past 10 years.

What careers, education and experience has led you to this point?

After finishing school, I commenced an apprenticeship with Bill Peach Motors as a Motor Mechanic.  When this was completed John Dwyer offered me a car salesman’s position with his Ford dealership.  This started a 20 career in car sales, business management and finance, working at local dealerships.  I then decided to have a change and moved into the Disability Employment Services sector.‍

Tell us a bit about you:

Together with my partner Jill Vettovalli, we have four adult children Trent, Shanyn, Harrison and Bryce and two beautiful grandchildren, Nettie and Jack. I enjoy fishing, both creek and reef as well as watching Rugby League and Rugby Union.

 Here’s your 80-word elevator pitch – what makes you the best candidate for the job?

I previously served on local council for eight years, being Deputy Mayor for four years. I have a Diploma of Business Management, am a Justice of the Peace (Qualified). I have chaired and sat on regional boards at State and Federal levels. I am currently CEO of NQ Employment, I secured the containers for change contract through NQ Green Solutions to bring a recycling facility to this area.

Lyn McLaughin

Mayoral Candidate

Tell us about where you have lived over the course of your life:

I grew up on a cane farm near Gordonvale and attended Mt St Bernard’s College at Herberton, before moving to Townsville to study education. I moved to Home Hill in 1976 as a teacher at Home Hill State Primary School. After marrying, my husband Matt and I moved to the family cane farm at Clare and are now settled at Mt Kelly – I have been a proud Burdekin resident for 48 years and have always been a proud North Queenslander.

Tell us a bit about you:

Our son, Adam, is currently working for the Australian Antarctica Division at Macquarie Island. My favourite hobby is gardening where I can enjoy nature while exercising. I love injecting myself in the community and getting involved in local sporting, school and community associations. You’ll find me helping out at Lower Burdekin Landcare, Burdekin Netball, or St Colman’s Parish – and on weekends, enjoying time with my nieces and nephews at the Home Hill Ninja Warrior Course, Burdekin Water Park or Alva. 

Here’s your 80-word elevator pitch – what makes you the best candidate for the job?

I have a strong track record, solid and strategic plan for the future, and experience advocating at state and federal levels to secure the best outcomes for our region. A range of shovel-ready projects will commence construction as soon as funding is secured to expand on our Shire’s infrastructure. I have a positive approach, effective communication skills and understand the need to collaborate with Councillors to ensure the Burdekin remains the best place to live, work, play, visit and invest.

John Furnell

Councillor Candidate

Tell us about where you have lived over the course of your life:

Born North Sydney, grew up in North Balgowlah, went to school in Manly (St Mary’s Immaculate followed by Christian Brothers). Following school I went to the ‘Australian College of Physical Education’ in Sydney. A holiday with friends to North Qld landed us on South Molle Island where I was fortunate to gain a job and meet my wife Lisa and subsequently move to Ayr in 1986

What careers, education and experience has led you to this point?

Burdekin Swim School currently 30 years, a Registered Nurse Ayr Hospital since 1992, Paramedic Ayr 20 years (medically retired), Captain - Australian Army Reserve Nursing Corp 10 years – Medically Retired.  

Tell us a bit about you:

I have a wife called Lisa, children and their partners – Ryan and Jamie have daughters Milla (2) and Summer (6 months), Sarah and Matt with twins Abby and Olly (2), and Joshua and Brittany with Ali (2) and one on the way.

We had a dog ‘Pepsi’ and a cat ‘Cola’. In my free time I like to be with family, swimming, a good movie and watching The Cowboys.  

Here’s your 80-word elevator pitch – what makes you the best candidate for the job?

I see myself as just a candidate. I just try my best and the people of the Burdekin will determine the outcome. My motivation – Grandfather William, away WWI just under 4 years, had one son Douglas, who died from effects of war aged 30, Father Douglas, away WWII over 4 years, five children, died from effects of war aged 47, I was 8.

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Callan Oar

Councillor Candidate

Tell us about where you have lived over the course of your life:

Been in the Burdekin for the whole 39 years of my life. Born at the Ayr Hospital. Never really had the urge to leave like most of my school friends. Love the area and what it has to offer.

 What careers, education and experience has led you to this point?

Finished high school in 2002 and started my Fitting and Turning apprenticeship at Palmco Engineering. Tried the mine life for a few years. After marrying and having kids, I couldn’t handle being away from home. Decided to start Coar Engineering. Building the business from scratch. Teaching myself and doing my own bookkeeping, accounting, BAS, admin and all the other “actual” work that gets charged out. Also have been Treasurer, Secretary and Junior coordinator at the Ayr Golf Club and am currently the President of Golf North Qld.

Tell us a bit about you:

 Married to my lovely wife Kristy. Have three young children, Parker, Hunter and River. two dogs and one bird. When not running around after the kids at footy, swimming, cricket, netball, golf, music, dancing or gymnastics, we like to chill out down the creek hut at Plantation creek. 

 Here’s your 80-word elevator pitch – what makes you the best candidate for the job?

Well anyone who knows me, knows that I say it how it is. I will not be pushed around. I do my own research. I am willing to learn. Willing to listen. I will speak up if I am not happy. But I can, and will, work with all types of people. I think the perfect councillor stands up for what they believe in, but works with others to get the best outcome no matter what.

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Amanda Hall

Councillor Candidate

Tell us about where you have lived over the course of your life:

Born in Home Hill, I attended St Colman's Primary School and Home Hill State High School. I started my working life at McCabes Newsagency. I briefly moved to Townsville where I worked as Secretary to the CEO of the NQ Society for Crippled Children but the Burdekin was home, so I returned. I moved to Clare when I married my husband Peter Hall in 1993. 

 What careers, education and experience has led you to this point?

Having had a variety of jobs since leaving High School, I settled into the NAB as a Business Development Officer for 10 years prior to starting my family. When my youngest was in year 6, I re-entered the workforce at Sunwater's Clare office before switching to Optical Assistant at Stacey and Stacey Optometrists in Ayr. I now manage our cane farm with Peter. We have four wonderful children, Lachlan, Jacob, Connor and Meggan and a German Shepherd called Laya.

 Here’s your 80-word elevator pitch – what makes you the best candidate for the job?

As Secretary of the Burdekin SEC and Vice Chair of the Dawson FDC, I am comfortable engaging with Politicians from all parties. I am conscious of the need for Council to be fiscally viable and managing our cane farm books. I have the knowledge on how to run a successful business - and Council is a business. I also believe all areas of the Shire should be treated equally. People pay high rates and have every right to expect something in return. This is one thing I stand firm on. 

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