Three Decades Of Leadership

One of the Burdekin’s longest serving members of Local Government is walking the halls of the Burdekin Shire Council chambers for the last time this week, having been first elected over 30 years ago.

Lyn McLaughlin has risen from local Councillor to Mayor of the region during this time and despite being unsuccessful in her bid for another term in the hot seat, she said she is harnessing the optimism and integrity she is known for, taking the new life direction in her stride.

No stranger to local government, Ms McLaughlin’s father Robert Rossi served as Councillor and Deputy Chairman of the Mulgrave Shire in Far North Queensland for 23 years, something that inspired his daughter to follow in a similar direction.

“In 1976 I first moved to the Burdekin as a teacher at Home Hill State Primary School – and my love for our region has grown every day since then,” Ms McLaughlin said.

“18 years after moving here I was first elected Councillor, as I wanted to turn my passion into action and serve the community that I loved.

“Since then, I have been incredibly privileged to serve as both Councillor and Mayor for 22 years.”

Ms McLaughlin said she is proud of all the positive change she has driven within the region during her tenure and would like to thank all the elected representatives she has been fortunate to work with over this time.

“It is with much sadness that I walk the halls of Burdekin Shire Council for the final time: I’ve been incredibly lucky to work with a dedicated and enthusiastic team of both indoor and outdoor staff over the past three decades,” she said.

“I wish the incoming Council and new Mayor success in supporting our community and continuing to progress the Burdekin Shire.”

Ms McLaughlin is looking forward to more time with family and friends and supporting local organisations, including Burdekin Netball Association and Lower Burdekin Landcare.

“Our son will return home from working for the Australian Antarctica Division at Macquarie Island this May, so my husband Matt and I are looking forward to spending time with him,” she said.

“I’ve always enjoyed my time outdoors, whether it’s on the sidelines of the netball court or in the garden, and I am looking forward to having more time pursuing these passions and volunteering where I can.

“We have recently seen the formation of the Burdekin Catholic Parish – the coming together of the former parishes in Home Hill, Giru, Clare and Ayr – and I look forward to being an active member of their community.

“You will see me across the Shire regularly supporting local events and community organisations, so please don’t be a stranger.

“As I start a new chapter in my life, I want to thank all Burdekin residents for their faith in me: serving you over the past three decades has been the greatest honour, and I will never forget it.”

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Lyn McLaughlin will step down as Burdekin Regional Council Mayor this week. Photo credit: Marni Hine

Lyn McLaughlin during her first term as Mayor. Photo supplied

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