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Vice chair Kaylee Boccalatte (left), former Member for Burdekin Rosemary Menkens (left-centre), chair Amanda Hall (right-centre), and treasurer/secretary Cathy McDonnell (right). Photo supplied.
The Burdekin’s inaugural Liberal National Party (LNP) Women executive committee has been officially announced, with local councillor Amanda Hall elected as the branch’s first chair.
The new branch, which was formally approved by the LNP State Executive in May, held its first annual general meeting last Saturday, appointing Ms Hall to lead the group alongside former Burdekin Shire councillor Dr Kaylee Boccalatte as vice chair.
Cathy McDonnell was appointed treasurer and will also serve as acting secretary until the secretary position is filled.
The formation of the branch followed strong local interest at an information meeting held in May, where women from across the Burdekin discussed the opportunity to establish a local arm of the LNP Women network.
With the branch now formally established, Ms Hall said it would provide a platform for women across the region to raise issues and have their voices heard.
“If women want to have their say, if they want to have a voice, this is the place to do it in the Burdekin,” she said.
The inaugural AGM was conducted by Northern Regional Chair of LNP Women Jean McCubben, with guest speakers including State Member for Mundingburra Janelle Poole and former Member for Burdekin Rosemary Menkens.
Member for Burdekin Dale Last also addressed attendees, providing an update on current issues affecting the region.
Moving forward, Ms Hall said the branch would give local women a direct pathway to contribute to broader party discussions, particularly ahead of future state conventions.
“If there are any particular issues that are concerning women, or just in general, we want to start having some meetings early so that we can prepare for the state convention, go down there with a strong contingent of women and make our presence felt,” she said.
Ms Hall said the branch would not necessarily meet on a fixed monthly schedule, instead aiming to hold discussions when there were meaningful issues or opportunities for members to engage.
She said the group hoped to encourage involvement from younger women in the community to ensure a broad range of perspectives were represented.
“I'd really love to get some younger women involved … because I know there's a lot of issues that face young people at the moment,” Ms Hall said.
“We want to hear the younger women's point of view because their opinions can differ quite substantially, and it's important to hear from everybody.”
Women interested in joining the branch is encouraged to reach out directly to Ms Hall on +61 427 827 386.
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