Speakers
WQAC 2024
Mount Isa 4-5 September 2024
Hon Steven Miles MP
Premier of Queensland
Premier Miles will deliver a pre-recorded welcome to the WQAC Assembly 2024.
Steven is the Member for Murrumba and Queensland Premier, elected to State Parliament in 2015.
With his experience and vision for Queensland, Steven will lead a government focused on delivering the services Queenslanders rely on and helping Queenslanders every single day. A Miles Labor government will deliver cost of living relief, continue to make record investments in frontline health services, continue working on the energy transition, a safer climate for Queenslanders and deliver more housing.
Senator the Hon Anthony Chisholm
Assistant Minister for Education
Assistant Minister for Regional Development
Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Anthony grew up on the north side of Brisbane attending Wavell State High School and went to Griffith University earning a Bachelor of Arts. Whilst doing this and throughout his working life, Anthony has maintained strong community involvement through his work with charities from his local community on the north side of Brisbane.
Anthony was elected to the Senate in 2016, and is committed to providing a strong Labor voice for working people throughout the state.
In a big, decentralised state like Queensland, Anthony is passionate about ensuring that affordable healthcare and a quality education is available to all people in Queensland, no matter where they live.
Anthony is also focused on fighting for regional Queensland, as he believes that the conservatives have taken them for granted for far too long.
Hon Shannon Fentiman MP
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women
Minister Fentiman will deliver a pre-recorded presentation on Queensland Government priorities to improve health equity outcomes in Western Queensland
Shannon Fentiman is Queensland’s Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Minister for Mental Health and Minister for Women. Shannon holds a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Hons) from QUT and a Master of Laws from Melbourne University. She was admitted as a Legal Practitioner in 2007.
Shannon is committed to social justice and throughout her career has worked to improve the lives of working people. She is passionate about fighting discrimination and unfairness at work and in the community.
Prior to her election to the Queensland Parliament as the Member for Waterford, Shannon worked as a solicitor for Hall Payne Lawyers. She has considerable experience in employment law having previously worked as an industrial advocate and as a Judge’s Associate in the Supreme Court of Queensland to her Honour Justice Atkinson.
Natalie Cook OAM OLY
Five-time Olympian and Director - Brisbane 2032, Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee
Natalie will join the Assembly virtually from Paris 2024
Nat Cook is a five-time Olympian, Gold and Bronze Medallist in beach volleyball. A passionate athlete advocate, Nat has always been a champion of the transformational power of sport and the life lessons learnt pursuing your dreams.
Serving as a Director of Brisbane 2032, Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee, and holding a position on the World Olympians Association Board, Nat is a firm believer in the Games' potential to create enduring legacies for individuals, businesses, and society as a whole.
Cr Peta MacRae
Mayor - Mount Isa City Council
Peta MacRae came to Mount Isa from Central Queensland in 1997 as a teacher and has embraced outback community life ever since.
She has worked in many positions within Education Queensland, has been involved in many community groups such as the Quamby Rodeo committee, Zonta, and Commerce North West, and, more recently, is chair of the Country Universities Centre Mount Isa board.
She has also served as a Councillor for Mount Isa City Council for 8 years, occupying the portfolios of sport and recreation, tourism and events, youth, community engagement, the pool, and the library.
Her passion for local government has led her to further study, including the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) course and an MBA.
Mayor MacRae’s priorities for the local area are strengthening the economy through encouraging diversity of business, growing our own through educational opportunities and professional development, and creating an appealing and livable city to attract residents and visitors alike.
Greg Hoffman PSM
Executive Officer- North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils
Greg Hoffman PSM is one of Australia’s leading local government professionals with over 45 years’ experience working in State and local government across three states and the Northern Territory. He has held positions of CEO, Commissioner, Managing Director, policy analyst, advocate and industry representative. In his current role as Executive Officer of the North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils, Greg’s focus is on the people, policy and politics of the State’s remote and productive North West Region.
As a foundation member of the Western Queensland Alliance of Councils (WQAC) Leadership Group, he has proudly ensured the growth and impact of united Western Queensland initiatives including the WQAC Assemblies, State and Federal election strategies, and the delivery of a nation-first Regional Housing Study and Local Housing Action Plans across the region.
Greg is passionate about regional Queensland and has devoted a lifetime assisting councils, regional bodies and communities to ensure their voices are heard and that they receive a fair return for the contribution they make to the State and national economies.
Greg holds qualifications in accounting, management, public policy, media and company directorship. He has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to local government having received a Public Service Medal in 1993 and a Centenary Medal in 2002 for his contribution to Australian society and government.
Dominic Jones
Associate - The Grattan Institute
Dominic Jones is an Associate at Grattan Institute. He has previously worked as a research assistant in the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science where he investigated applications of quantum spin to solar technology.
He has also held teaching roles in the School of Physics at the University of New South Wales. Dominic holds a Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours)/Arts double degree majoring in Physics and Politics from the University of New South Wales.
Lauren Hewitt
CEO - Queensland Transport and Logistics
Lauren has demonstrated ability to liaise, interpret and mediate between parties facing critical environmental challenges. This has included work in project development for Queensland’s energy producers as well as GM Policy of Queensland’s peak agricultural body, AgForce.
In 2015, Lauren was awarded Queensland Rural Woman of the Year. Lauren applies her skills considering and improving the efficiency and footprint of the freight sector as CEO of the Queensland Transport and Logistics Council.
Andrew Mahon
Deputy Director-General (Policy, Planning and Investment), Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads
Andrew has over twenty years' experience in transport delivering in strategic policy, regulation, infrastructure and planning.
Andrew sets the future direction of the transport system in Queensland creating and shaping key strategies, policies and plans for an integrated transport system that supports the safe and efficient movement of people and goods, while driving value for the community and delivering on decarbonisation outcomes.
Andrew's responsibility is to ensure investment across road, rail and public transport, active transport, and freight networks is balanced and part of a single integrated transport network as part of the $32.1 billion program.
Cr John Wharton
Mayor - Richmond Shire Council
Chair – NWQ Regional Roads and Transport Group
Cr John Wharton AM was first elected to the Richmond Shire Council in 1991 and became Mayor in 1997.
On 11 June 2007 he was the recipient of a Member of the Order of Australia Award for his service to the community of North-West Queensland through local government, regional development, natural resource management and primary industry organisations. He also received the Centenary Medal for distinguished service to local government.
Cr Rick Britton
Mayor - Boulia Shire Council
Rick Britton has been Mayor of the Boulia Shire since 2008 after serving as councillor the year prior.
Over this time he has served in many different roles;
President of the West Qld Local Government Association,
Chair of the Outback Regional Roads Group and
Chair of Rural Financial Counselling Service North Queensland Project Management Board.
In both his local government, RAPAD and business interests, Rick actively pursues professional development opportunities. To further his knowledge of governance and administration, Rick has completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors course.
When not serving the region through local government he and his wife Ann own and operate cattle breeding enterprises in Queensland’s North West. Based at Goodwood Station, Rick’s family lived in the region for several generations.
Cr Cathy White
Mayor - Winton Shire Council
Mayor White was born and raised in Blackall and went on to complete her senior at St. Ursula’s College, Yeppoon. After graduating, her first job was as an office trainee with the Winton Shire Council, followed by other office positions in the Winton area and Mount Isa.
She and her husband Peter have raised a family on the historic Athelstane station, which has been owned by the White family since the 1915.
Cathy has always been passionate about the Winton community and has served on several community committees, mostly in executive positions notably Isolated Children’s Parents Association (ICPA) , St. Patricks P&F, Winton Community and Aged Care Services Inc as well as DRCA, CWA and the Winton Camel Committee. She has also served on the Agforce Cattle Board and is also a member of the Great Artesian Basin Stakeholder Advisory Committee (GABSAC) as well as Queensland Dog Offensive Group (QDOG).
Having always been passionate about the Winton community, Council was the natural next step for Cathy, and she was elected as a Councillor in 2020. In 2024, she was elected Mayor of Winton Shire Council.
Prof Allan Dale
The Cairns Institute, James Cook University and Theme Lead at Queensland Decarbonisation Hub
Allan Dale is a Professor of Tropical Regional Development at The Cairns Institute, James Cook University and the Chief Scientist for the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA). He is also Chair of Queensland’s Rural Economies Centre of Excellence (RECoE). Allan is particularly focussed on supporting local Councils and communities in progressing regional infrastructure and local economic and social development. A large focus in recent years has been in supporting Councils through the economic transitions that face in a changing world. He works extensively with governments, regional and local communities on issues related to economic, social and Indigenous development, water and natural resource management. Allan is Deputy Chair of the Premier’s Queensland Plan Ambassador Council and was previously the Chair of Regional Development Australia Far North Queensland and Torres Strait (RDA FNQ&TS) and the CEO of Terrain NRM.
Cr Matt Burnett
Mayor - Gladstone Regional Council and LGAQ Acting President
Mayor Matt Burnett was born and raised in the Gladstone Region with his family's connection to the region extending six generations. He is a former small business operator and qualified journalist, having started his own newspaper, The Port Curtis Post, at the age of 19.
He has served in Local Government since 2000, including five years as Deputy Mayor prior to his election as Mayor. During his time in Local Government, Cr Burnett served as Chairman of Technical Services with Gladstone City Council and as portfolio representative in Technical Services, Infrastructure Services and Town Planning with Gladstone Regional Council after amalgamation in 2008.
Cr Burnett has always had the best interests of the community at heart and, as Mayor, he draws upon the experience he has gathered over his years in Council to ensure those interests remain a key consideration even as the region continues to grow and develop.
Cr Burnett brings an inclusive style of leadership to Council, making sure the thoughts and views of his fellow Councillors, Council officers, business and industry leaders, community groups and organisations, and members of the community are all heard and taken into consideration.
Cr Burnett represents Central Queensland on the Local Government Association of Queensland Policy Executive, is a Director on the LGAQ Board and is Vice President of Australian Local Government Association.
Darrin Bond
General Manager of Digital Economy
Darrin is the General Manager of Digital Economy within the Queensland Government Customer and Digital Group (QGCDG). Darrin is responsible for the overarching digital strategy that governs Queensland's public services. His domain extends to pioneering digital policies, orchestrating multifaceted initiatives that bridge the gap between agencies and communities, and overseeing the digital assurance and investment operations. His is also the steward of the Queensland Government's Digital Enterprise Architecture and ICT Strategic Sourcing activities.
Previously Darrin was the Chief Information Officer for the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services, for over 12 years. Prior to this the Chief Information Officer at the Queensland Treasury.
David Arnold
CEO - RAPAD
Since 2003 David has been the CEO of RAPAD and the Rural Financial Counselling Service North Queensland. He is also a director of RESQ+.
David is the Deputy Chairman of the Central West Hospital and Health Service (CWHHS), chair of its executive committee and member of the audit & risk committee, since its inception in 2012, and member of its finance committee since 2016. Since 2011 he has held two periods as a committee member for Regional Development Australia.
David has considerable experience in senior management and company directorship, gained over the past two decades through his current CEO position and his other governance responsibilities. As a volunteer, David has been President (7yrs), Vice President and remains a member of the Longreach Home and Community Care entity, which delivers care to the frail, aged elderly and disabled.
Dr Adam Louws
GP/Senior Medical Officer - Julia Creek Multipurpose Health Service
Dr Adam Louws started working at the Julia Creek Multipurpose Medical Centre in March 2023, following a recruitment campaign that made national headlines which ultimately ended a two-year doctor drought in the outback town.
It was an off-hand text message from Adam Louws's mother-in-law that ultimately saw the young doctor pick up his life in Brisbane and move nearly 2000 kilometres to a place with just over 500 people in the McKinlay Shire.
Now, a community that Dr Louws "hadn't even heard of before" has become a home to him and his wife as well as their four young children.
"A lot of the people going into medical school don't have any genuine experience of living in the country. There's also not a lot of value placed on GPs in general, and certainly country GPs, within the culture of medicine. That's something that I'd like to change. Out here you can really get a sense of meaning. Being one of 100 doctors in a city hospital doesn't really always give you that feeling that what you're doing matters. The country has more to offer doctors than money," Dr Louws (via ABC North West Queensland)
Elisha McGuiness
Executive Director, Office of Rural and Remote Health – Queensland Health
Elisha McGuiness is the Executive Director of the Office of Rural and Remote Health and is responsible for leading strategic reform and operational support for Queensland Health sites categorised as Rural and remote using the Modified Monash Model (MMM 4-7 localities).
Elisha has spent the past 15 years based in north Queensland and enjoys the challenges, versatility and complexity that rural and remote healthcare brings. She has held responsibility for the leadership and state-level implementation of a number of public health priorities including Rheumatic Heart Disease and Sexually Transmitted Infections and Blood Borne Viruses. Elisha has significant experience leading person-centred health care, specifically for rural, remote and First Nations communities. She has led significant community and stakeholder engagement and service redesign, with a focus on innovation, quality improvement and the achievement of health equity, including in the areas of community-controlled primary health care. She is passionate about working with all stakeholders on how we can improve service delivery to regional, rural and remote areas.
Sandy Gillies
Chief Executive Officer
Adjunct Professor, Murtupuni Centre for Rural and Remote Health, James Cook University
Sandy, a proud Gunggari woman born and raised in outback Winton, embarked on her health career as a nurse in Charleville.
With a focus on rural and remote primary health care, she navigated vast distances and limited resources, garnering invaluable experience. Driven by a passion for improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Sandy transitioned into roles as an Aboriginal Health Worker and later assumed senior positions with the Queensland Mental Health Commission and the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council.
In 2017, she joined WQPHN, leveraging her expertise in strategic planning, project management and leadership to become its Chief Executive Officer in 2021. As the first Indigenous CEO among 31 Primary Health Networks across Australia, Sandy continues to spearhead initiatives aimed at advancing healthcare accessibility and outcomes for all, especially those in remote and very remote communities.
Cr Andrew Martin
Mayor - Blackall-Tambo Regional Council
A fourth-generation local grazier, Cr Andrew Martin has a genuine passion for the community and region, not only economically but in the advancement of liveability. Andrew is serving his second term as mayor, and he brings many years of experience in financial management and business and human resource management through personal business endeavours, public companies and local government spheres.
Cr Martin has vast experience with federal, state and local government.
Cr Martin has a passion for the region. He advocates relentlessly for a strong future for the Central Western Queensland region. Andrew is Chair of Red Ridge (Interior Qld), Chair of Outback Queensland Tourism Association, LGAQ Policy Executive member and board member of RAPAD and RDA Central and Western Queensland.
Sean Birgan
Chief Executive – North West Hospital and Health Service
Sean has over 38 years of nursing experience, including 20 years in senior leadership and management roles. Most recently Sean worked as the Health Department COVID-19 System Response Lead coordinating the state's COVID-19 operational response.
Sean holds post graduate qualifications in Critical Care Nursing and Masters in Health Management and is currently an executive member of the Queensland Clinical Senate.
Sean has a keen interest in the development of staff into leadership roles and the promotion of new models of care. He also has a keen interest in disaster management and preparedness. Sean provides ongoing support to Indonesian nurses and health executives working in Bali as part of the Bali Memorial Package. This role incorporates assisting in the improvement of health services in Bali and developing the leadership and management skills of Balinese healthcare workers.
Sean is enjoying the challenges and opportunities of working in a remote environment at North West HHS.
Cr Shaun Radnedge
Mayor - Murweh Shire Council and Deputy Chair - SWQROC
Shaun (Zoro) is a born and bred Charleville boy, he is married and has three children. Zoro and his wife have operated a local business in Charleville. Zoro was first elected to Council in 2016 and elected Mayor in 2020.
He has been involved in several clubs within the Shire, including Charleville RSL, Junior and Senior League, Western Rugby League and Warrego Pony Club.
His goals are to keep our youth engaged, active and be able to offer employment for our young adults. He is keen to showcase what a great lifestyle we have to offer in Murweh Shire.
Ann Leahy MP
Shadow Minister for Local Government, Shadow Minister for Disaster Recovery, Shadow Minister for Volunteers, Member for Warrego
Ann Leahy is the Shadow Minister for Local Government, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers and the LNP Member for Warrego.
Ann was first elected to State Parliament in January 2015. She has been a member of several Parliamentary Committees including - Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources; Communities, Disability Services and Domestic & Family Violence Prevention.
David Wiskar
Director of the Queensland Water Regional Alliance Program - qldwater
David Wiskar has been involved with qldwater since its inception as a member, the Chair of the Technical Reference Group and, more recently, as a funding partner in his role with the Queensland Government.
David has a strong connection to the mission of the Directorate and in providing support to all communities and stakeholders in the delivery of essential urban water services. His extensive career includes working at Executive Level in water utilities and Local and State Governments in Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Cr Tony Rayner
Mayor – Longreach Regional Council and Chair - RAPAD
Cr Rayner is a proud Longreach local having completed his primary and secondary education in Longreach before completing his tertiary qualifications at the University of Queensland (Queensland Agricultural College).
He was elected Mayor in the 2020 local government elections after serving the previous four-year term as a Councillor on Longreach Regional Council.
Six years prior he was the Chief Executive Officer of RAPAD Employment Services Queensland (RESQ).
He has a career spanning 30 years as a senior executive within the Queensland Government including roles such as Executive Director for the Australian Agricultural Colleges, Assistant Director-General Department Primary Industries, Executive Director Employment and Economic Development, and Regional Director.
Councillor Rayner was elected as Chair of the Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD) following his Mayoral appointment and is also a Board Director for RESQ.
Matthew Brennan
Associate Partner – GBA Consulting Engineers
Mathew started with GBA in 2017 and he has been appointed as an Associate Partner.
Matt is one of the GBA’s Engineers/Pilots giving him a unique skill set which has enabled him to work for a range of clients. He has experience in Project Management across various project types, Environmental Plans, Job Management Plans, Traffic Guidance Schemes, Tendering, Quotation. Matthew also has road construction, bitumen sealing experience through RMPC, MWPC, government-funded, and local government projects.
Matthew is an integral part of the GBA team, and he has made a significant contribution to GBA through his training, mentorship of many Engineers and Technical Officers, and meeting the client’s needs.
Shayne Jessiman
Director & Group General Manager - Contour3D
Shayne Jessiman is an accomplished individual who excels in cultivating growth and seizing opportunities within the business landscape. With over 15 years of experience in senior management positions across various industries, Shayne has proven expertise in driving success.
Starting from a modest sales engineering role, Shayne has risen to positions of leadership, guiding companies towards financial prosperity. Recognising the significance of collaboration and understanding the needs of key stakeholders, employees, and management, Shayne ensures success at every level of the business hierarchy.
Shayne‘s inherent leadership qualities, can-do attitude and ability to work as a team player make him an invaluable asset to Contour3D, playing an active role with all staff and contributing significantly to the company’s future triumphs.
Currently, Shayne is actively developing the business strategy that will propel Contour3D, a 3D construction company, to the next stage of growth. Moreover, he oversees all facets of the business and is currently restructuring and recruiting to better aligning the business with the overall business strategy.
Sarah Amos
Deputy Director-General, Social and Affordable Housing Growth - Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works
Sarah is an experienced senior executive and public policy advisor with diverse professional experience built across more than 20 years working in and for governments across multiple jurisdictions.
Sarah leads the Social and Affordable Housing Growth division of the department, which includes the delivery of QuickStarts Qld and the $2 billion Housing Investment Fund.
Sarah was formerly the Head of Commercial in Queensland Treasury and was responsible for overseeing Treasury’s role in significant commercial and strategic transactions, including partnering with the private sector and advising on the state’s infrastructure investment to support the future needs of Queenslanders.
Sarah’s prior experience includes over a decade in consulting and several years at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the former Australian Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources in Canberra.
Darren Mew
Executive Manager (QLD SA and NT) – BlueCHP Limited
Darren is the Executive Manager of BlueCHP Limited, a not-for-profit developer and Tier 1 Community Housing Provider offering Social, Affordable and Disability accommodation to >2,000 residents in a Build to Rent housing portfolio across QLD and the east coast of Australia.
With 25 years’ experience as a property professional, Darren’s career includes senior roles responsible for business development & strategy, project feasibility, design, development and operation.
Darren is a member of the Queensland Premier’s Housing Supply Expert Panel, immediate past Chairperson Q Shelter, peak organisation for the housing and homelessness sector in Queensland, and former Board Member of CHIA QLD.
Cr Ben Hall
Mayor - Quilpie Shire Council
Mayor Ben Hall is fifth generation and has lived in Quilpie his whole life. His career began working in Retail at a family run news agency business for 20 years, then commencing as Branch manager in 2014 at Nutrien Ag Solutions.
Ben has previously been a Councillor from 2004-2008. Ben’s motivation to run for Mayor is his passion for all things Quilpie Shire having lived and raised a family in the community.
Ben’s key focus is on the economic outcome in our community and would like to expand on and look for more initiatives and encourage new enterprises that will deliver more jobs and greater economic return for our communities 365 days a year. He would like to open more opportunities to promote regional growth, commercial opportunities, sustainability and equality for our people from locals to opportunity seekers, whilst continuing to upgrade and improve infrastructure including roads and childcare and advocate for the availability of all health services from pre-natal to palliative care.
Warwick Agnew
Director-General - Queensland Department of Resources
Warwick Agnew joined the Department of Resources in May 2023 as the Director-General following an extensive career and experience in both the private and public sector.
Prior to joining the department, Warwick held the position of Director-General, Department of Employment, Small Business and Training.
Throughout his career Warwick has led social and economic infrastructure projects, economic analysis and policy, legislative reform, financial and commercial procurement, and corporate finance advisory services.
Warwick’s private sector experience includes commercial project development and senior advisory roles for global companies servicing resources, energy, industrial, infrastructure, property, and defence sectors. He has also served on key government boards including Queensland Treasury Corporation Capital Markets Board, the Long-Term Asset Allocation Board and the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority.
Morgan Gronold
Deputy CEO - RAPAD
Morgan Gronold has worked with RAPAD for close to a decade and is responsible for delivering projects in the central west for the central west, to stabilise regional depopulation, grow jobs, and drive economic diversity, investment, and growth across the region.
Projects like the RAPAD Power Grid, a unique community-led energy infrastructure development project through a collaboration agreement between RAPAD, Barcaldine Regional Council, and Queensland-owned VisIR: www.rapadpowergrid.com.au.
Prior to RAPAD, Morgan spent over 15 years in the region with the Queensland Government focused on the international marketing and export of meat and agricultural products which saw him spend time in Latin America, USA and China.
Warwick Squire
CEO - Coexistence Queensland
Warwick Squire is an experienced executive specialising in change leadership, policy development, and operational efficiencies with more than 20 years in the government sector. He has extensive expertise in cultivating productive relationships, particularly throughout rural and regional communities in Queensland.
Warwick currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Coexistence Queensland, a role in which he leads and works collaboratively with landholders, communities, agricultural, energy and resource companies, peak bodies, and all levels of government to achieve positive coexistence outcomes.
His authentic leadership ensures team engagement and an aligned focus within teams and departments, driving change and delivering innovative projects in complex environments. Warwick has built a reputation for taking on challenging roles and leading teams to deliver exceptional results.
Darren Cleland
Executive Regional Director, Regional Economic Development, North - Department of State Development and Infrastructure
Darren’s background is in industry and regional economic development with over 30 years’ public and private sector experience encompassing a range of industries.
Darren is Executive Regional Director - North with the Department of State Development and Infrastructure and is responsible for Queensland Government economic development initiatives in the North region encompassing Gladstone in the south, to the Torres Strait in the north and west to the Queensland border.
He is currently delivering the $360 million Cairns Marine Precinct Common User Facility project and the $200 million Queensland Battery Industry Strategy, the state’s Mining Equipment, Technology and Services 10 year Roadmap and the Central Queensland Hydrogen Ecosystem project.
Securing local economic development opportunities from a decarbonising and changing global economy is an enormous goal for the public service to action. To support this Darren is leading the implementation of Regional Transformation Strategies for the Central Queensland, North West Queensland and Greater Whitsunday regions.
Throughout his career he has provided strategic advice in relation to many varied business expansion, investment, and regional development decisions and has completed numerous feasibility studies, strategies and actions to guide and facilitate economic and social development.
Darren has a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Queensland and received a Public Service Medal, in recognition of his outstanding public service to regional and rural communities in Queensland. He also spent five years as a Councillor on the Cairns Regional Council.
Matt Nicholls
Owner and Editor - North West Weekly
Matt Nicholls is a 20-year newspaper veteran who first arrived in Mount Isa in 2007 as a young reporter to work at what was then a daily newspaper. He's since travelled across the country and has spent the past decade in North Queensland.
He was the founder of the Cape York Weekly newspaper and recently launched the North West Weekly newspaper in Mount Isa.
Cr Greg Campbell
Mayor - Cloncurry Shire Council
Mayor Greg Campbell proudly calls Cloncurry home and was first elected as Mayor in 2016. Greg has vast Council experience having previously been a Councillor for a term between 2004 and 2008 and Deputy Mayor from 2008 to 2012.
Mayor Campbell and wife, Ana have three children. Cr Campbell and his family operate a beef cattle business. He attended the local Cloncurry State School until grade 12 and was a school captain in 1992. On completion of grade 12, he began an apprenticeship with NORQEB (now known as Ergon Energy) as an electrician. Working in various technical and managerial roles during his time with Ergon, Greg's area of responsibility covers Mount Isa to Hughenden.
Involvement in community groups has been a passion for Councillor Campbell with most recent involvement as Treasurer of the Cloncurry Football Club, coach of the junior players and is involved in the Cloncurry Fish Stocking Group. Greg has had past involvement in the Rotary Club of Cloncurry being president in 2005, and was also a member of the Cloncurry Merry Muster Committee.
Mayor Campbell is committed to ensuring Council's spending is cost effective and that local businesses are supported. Sealing of rural roads and improving the town's water supply will also continue to be a priority of Cr Campbell's.