Speakers
WQAC 2026
Cr Adrian Schrinner
Lord Mayor of Brisbane
Adrian Schrinner became the 17th Lord Mayor of Brisbane in 2019, with many years of experience as Councillor and former Deputy Mayor of Australia’s largest local government.
Adrian was born in Brisbane and grew-up on the Southside. He was first elected as the Councillor for Chandler Ward in 2005 and in 2011 he was elected by his colleagues as Deputy Mayor, and served in this role for 8 years.
Adrian has a clear vision for the future and his simple goal is to ensure the Brisbane of tomorrow is better than the Brisbane of today. By delivering new infrastructure for a growing city and record investment in parkland and greenspace, Adrian is leading his team to transform Brisbane for the better.
As Chair of the Council of Mayors (South East Queensland), Adrian played a vital role in helping to finally secure the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games for the region. He is now a Vice President and board member of the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee.
Hon Ann Leahy MP
Minister for Local Government and Water, and Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers
Ann Leahy was born in Stanthorpe, raised on the family farm, educated via Distance Education and boarding school and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Science. She has a keen interest in aviation and spends her spare time competing in sheep dog trials with her two beloved border collies, Molly and Jess.
Ann has worked in the political sector for over 30 years. She is a passionate voice for the South-West fighting for doctors in local communities and better health facilities in the region.
Ann is a strong advocate for the agricultural, manufacturing, resources and tourism sectors across South West Queensland. She is passionate about ensuring the government's priorities are focused on plans to grow these industries whilst keeping the communities safe and enabling them to grow with more housing opportunities.
Ann was elected in 2015 as the Member for Warrego and is the first female Member of Parliament to win the state seat of Warrego since Federation. She advocates for communities across her electorate from the western parts of the Darling Downs to the South Australian border.
Hon Steven Minnikin MP
Minister for Customer Services and Open Data, and Minister for Small and Family Business
Steve Minnikin is the Minister for Customer Services and Open Data and Minister for Small and Family Business in the Crisafulli LNP Government. He is responsible for establishing a new Department dedicated to delivering Australia’s most customer service-focused government, including streamlining government services for Queenslanders and small businesses.
First elected to the Queensland Parliament in 2012, Steve represents the electorate of Chatsworth in Brisbane’s south-east. He is a long time Chatsworth local, having grown up in Carina and now resides in Belmont with his family.
Prior to entering Parliament, Steve was involved in the retail property management and development industry. As a businessman, Steve understands the importance of investing and backing small and family businesses to deliver more jobs and economic prosperity for all Queenslanders.
Hon Andrew Powell MP
Minister for the Environment and Tourism, and Minister for Science and InnovationDeputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Industrial Relations
Andrew was born in Melbourne and spent his childhood moving between Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney until his family finally settled in Burpengary. He completed secondary school at Redcliffe and gained degrees in both Science and Arts at the University of Queensland.
He kicked off his career with the Defence Department in Canberra and, after a short time working overseas, returned to Queensland where he worked for the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, and the Department of Child Safety. An increasing frustration with how our taxes were being spent, how government policy was being developed and delivered, and a sense that the Glass House electorate was missing out drove him to have a go at politics.
Further to being appointed as the Minister for the Environment and Tourism, and the Minister for Science and Innovation in October 2024, Andrew has had some fantastic roles since including a previous term as Minister for Environment, Shadow Minister for Transport, Main Roads and Local Government and Shadow Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, but nothing beats being the Member for Glass House.
Kate Birse
Regional Waste Coordinator, RAPAD
Kate Birse is a Senior Project Officer with the Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD), based in Barcaldine, Central West Queensland.
She works across regional development initiatives that support resilient and sustainable remote communities, with a strong focus on collaboration between local government, industry and community organisations.
Kate has extensive experience in project management, stakeholder engagement and community development, and is passionate about finding practical, locally driven solutions to the challenges facing regional Queensland. She is pleased to contribute to the discussion on waste management and the opportunities for collaboration across Western Queensland.
Troy Uren
Regional Waste Coordinator, SWQROC
Troy joined the South WEst Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (SWQRCO) as Regional Waste Coordinator in 2026. He has over 30 years’ experience in the public and private sectors working at senior levels including roles with State and National portfolios, including residence roles in Queensland, NSW and Victoria.
Troy has focused on the waste management and resource recovery sector for over 25 years and has worked in all key areas of waste management including collection, landfill, transfer, material recovery and organics.
Troy has delivered over 100 major strategy, infrastructure, procurement and operational projects across Australia for more than 70 clients.
Troy has delivered and operated some of the largest facilities in the country and has completed a number of periods overseas in projects or facility inspections including the Middle East, South Korea, along with an around the world waste to energy and anaerobic digestion technical tour in recent years.
Troy’s work has resulted in numerous State and National awards in the waste and project management sectors.
Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd)
Chief Executive Officer and Andrew Nehill, Chief Finance Officer, Queensland Reconstruction Authority
As Chief Executive Officer since March 2023, Major General Jake Ellwood (Retd) is responsible for ensuring the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) delivers as lead state agency for disaster recovery and resilience.
QRA has helped impacted communities recover from more than 140 disaster events since its establishment in 2011. Major General Jake Ellwood’s distinguished Australian Defence Force (ADF) career included serving as: State Recovery Coordinator, 2021-22 Southern Queensland Floods; Commander of 1st Division (Brisbane); Deputy Chief of Army; and ADF National Coordinator Black Summer Bushfires 2019-20. He has served in Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, and East Timor.
Alison Smith
Chief Executive Officer, Local Government Association of Queensland
After 12 months of leading the LGAQ’s Advocacy team – advancing and promoting policy positions and funding priorities critical to Queensland councils and their communities with State and Federal governments – Alison became the LGAQ’s first new CEO in almost three decades in November 2021.
Prior to that, Alison led the corporate affairs functions of ASX-100 companies from 2007-2020; as Group Executive of External Affairs at The Star Entertainment Group and, previously, in media and corporate affairs roles at Rio Tinto’s coal and uranium businesses in Australia, Africa and Canada.
Alison has worked in the public and private sectors in ICT, transport, energy, police and corrective services, and worked 14 years as a print, radio and television journalist before spending two terms as a senior media advisor in the Queensland Government.
Hon Tony Perrett MP
Minister for Primary Industries
Tony Perrett is a father, former councillor and Deputy Mayor, grazier, and is an active community member with a strong connection to the Gympie Region.
He was elected to the Queensland Parliament as the Member for Gympie in January 2015, and in November 2017, and again in 2020.
For much of his life, Tony has always been actively involved in the community and is dedicated to community service joining local organisations at the age of 19.
For 25 years he has been an active supporter and volunteer of regional shows including the Kilkivan Show and Gympie Shows, and Camp Draft Committees. Tony was a member of the Board of St Patrick’s School for six years. He is patron of a numerous community organisations.
Gemma Pinnell
Partner, Right Lane Consulting
Gemma is a partner at Right Lane Consulting. She has worked in senior positions in superannuation and the labour movement for over two decades.
Her areas of expertise are Affordable Housing and Superannuation. Gemma has delivered projects across strategy, policy and program evaluation, new service design and implementation, data and analytics, and transformation. She is focused on partnering with clients to tackle challenging problems and deliver solutions that can be executed to achieve impact.
Ben Perkins
Senior Associate, Right Lane Consulting
Ben is an evidence-driven strategy consultant with a strong background in sustainability, social value and transformation.
Ben’s experience spans public, private and not-for-profit organisations across a range of sectors, including the care and support economy, property development, infrastructure, aviation, international development, and education. Ben’s areas of speciality include strategy development, operating model design, economic and social impact assessment and sustainability.
Darren Mew
National Manager Strategic Growth & Development, BlueCHP
Darren has more than 30 years of experience in the Queensland property industry, including senior roles with major property developers and consultancies.
Darren established BlueCHP’s Queensland office in 2014, of which he is responsible for managing all aspects, including engagement with government, industry and the community.
In his current role, Darren drives national growth through partnerships with government, corporate, and philanthropic entities. He leads advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and co-investment strategies to secure development opportunities and strengthen policy influence. He also oversees the management of Connect Housing Group based in Mackay.
Darren is the Deputy Chair of Queensland Shelter, the state’s peak homelessness and housing association.
Dominique Lamb
Director of Community Affairs, Brisbane 2032 Olympic & Paralympic Games Team
Dominique Lamb has a diverse background in corporate affairs, industrial relations, and not-for-profits. Dominique was previously the CEO of the National Retail Association and a director of NRA Legal.
In her role as CEO, Dominique advocated on behalf of 60,000 shop fronts across the country about a diverse range of issues, including but not limited to crime, ESG, youth employment, industrial relations, leasing and tenancy, franchising, and the digital economy.
Dominique served as the Queensland Small Business Commissioner from December 2022 until October 2025, where she focused on improving the operating environment for small businesses and reducing the time and cost of resolving disputes.
From October 2025, Dominique has taken on the role of Director of Community Affairs for the Brisbane Olympic Games, where she will continue her commitment to community engagement and advocacy.
Beyond her professional endeavours, Dominique is deeply committed to social causes, particularly those addressing domestic and family violence and closing the gap in our regional, remote, and rural communities.
Brent Hill
Chief Marketing Officer, Brisbane 2032 Olympic & Paralympic Games Team
Brent Hill is Chief Marketing Officer for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, bringing more than 20 years of marketing and executive leadership experience across Australia and internationally.
Prior to joining Brisbane 2032, Brent was CEO of Tourism Fiji, where he led the destination’s global marketing and tourism recovery, and previously served as Chief Marketing Officer of the South Australian Tourism Commission. His career has also included senior marketing roles across finance, retail and telecommunications.
Recognised among the world’s top 25 Chief Marketing Officers, Brent now leads the development and delivery of Brisbane 2032’s brand, marketing and experiential campaigns, helping showcase Brisbane, Queensland and Australia to audiences around the world.
Frankie Carroll
Former Queensland Under Treasurer
Frankie Carroll was most recently with the Suburban Rail Loop Authority (Vic) as Chief Executive Officer, coming from the Queensland Public Service where he held a number of positions, including leading the Queensland Treasury.
Hailing from Ireland, Frankie spent 20 years living in his home country before travelling the world, to gain global experience in major financial service centres.
As the former Director-General of Queensland’s Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, Frankie was responsible for the delivery of planning reforms and infrastructure across Queensland.
As former Chief Executive of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, Frankie delivered a $13 billion program of reconstruction works following major natural disasters. With experience as Chair and Director of Brisbane’s Cross River Rail Delivery Authority, he has a deep understanding of city-shaping infrastructure and mega-project delivery.
Frankie was also Director of Trade and Investment Queensland, Director of Building Queensland and Chair of Economic Development Queensland. He previously held the roles of Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer of Queensland Water Infrastructure.
Frankie is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Charter Accountant of Australia and New Zealand, a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and a Member of the Association of Institute of Taxation in Ireland.
Ben Myers
Former Chief of Staff at Local, State and Federal Government levels
Ben specialises in providing strategic advice to boards and executives across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
Ben’s expertise spans executive leadership, strategic communications, government relations and public policy, enabling organisations to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and reputational risks effectively.
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.
Denise Brown
CEO - Outback Queensland Tourism Association
Denise Brown is affectionately known as ‘DD’ harking back to a shortcut for her maiden name ‘Deveney’. As Chief Executive Officer of Outback Queensland Tourism Association , DD brings 38-years tourism experience and dedication to Outback Queensland, it’s communities and tourism operators.
As CEO she advocates for the regions, Councils and operators to ensure the voice and needs of Outback Queensland is heard. With a solid understanding of the different needs across the regions, DD lobbies for destination marketing and infrastructure funding initiatives and allocations to drive destination development in line with future consumer expectations, rising market demand and lifting experience development opportunities.
As CEO, she manages the day to day responsibilities of the organisation, working to serve members interests and the promotion of tourism in Outback Queensland.
DD has a deep understanding of the tourism industry having worked across the accommodation sector, as an inbound tour operator and product manager; as a Destination Director with TEQ for the Outback and Gold Coast, and more recently working in aviation and cruise attraction.
Kristina Neylan
Executive Director Strategic Delivery - Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business
Kristina leads the Strategic Delivery team within CDSB who deliver digital economy programs for Queensland communities.
Kristina thrives on tackling some of the most challenging (and rewarding) areas for digital in our state, including regional digital connectivity, digital inclusion, digital adaption for small businesses, digital capability and employment, and Queensland’s First Nations Digital Service Centre program.
Jay Sindorff
Executive Director, Strategic Policy - Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business
Jay leads the Strategic Policy team within CDSB who lead the development of data, digital and cyber security strategies, and policies for Queensland Government, and for the benefit of our customers and Queensland communities.
Jay is a strong advocate for better use of data and technology to help drive better digital outcomes for communities across the state.
Kylie Lindsay
Head, nbn Local, Queensland
Kylie Lindsay is Head of nbn Local Queensland at NBN Co.
With over 15 years’ experience in media, communications, crisis management and strategy, she has worked in all levels of government with Prime Ministers, Premiers and Lord Mayors, as well as the private sector. In that time she managed high-level state based, national and international media as well as providing internal communications advice and strategic direction. An expert in crisis communications, she managed all media for the Brisbane City Council during the 2011 flood and aftermath, and played a pivotal role in running the Queensland State Government response to cyclones, floods and natural disasters for a number of years. Kylie is an accredited IAP2 practitioner (community and stakeholder engagement) with a very strong track record of delivery in both the proactive and reactive media spaces.
As a proud regional Queenslander, Kylie is passionate about bridging the divide between the city and the country, and believes the telecommunication industry has a very important role to play in achieving this. A redhead, Kylie is fun and feisty and lives in Queensland with her husband and young son, rescue mutt Rosie, an assortment of chooks and a hive of bees.
Jason Mills
Government Relations Principal, Telstra
Jason is a corporate affairs leader with two decades of experience protecting and enhancing the reputation of a wide range of private sector and government interests in the Asia Pacific region.
After two-and-a-half years with the University of Sunshine Coast, Jason returned to Telstra as Government Relations Principal in 2025, where he works across Federal, state and local governments and engages closely with a wide range of ministers, shadow ministers, political advisers and departments.
Jason spent the early part of his career working for the Federal Government in a range of corporate affairs roles, including senior communications advisor with the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and as the public affairs manager at the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby.
He was also a senior communications consultant working on major infrastructure and public policy projects across South-East Queensland and in Newcrest Mining’s External Affairs team, with responsibility for government relations, communications, media, issues management and event management.
Will Harrington PhD
CEO, Wi-Sky – Qld
Will Harrington is a North West Queensland cattle producer, business owner and CEO and founder of Wi-Sky QLD. He established Wi-Sky in 2016 from his family’s cattle property outside Richmond, growing what began as a single fixed wireless link into a regional network providing connectivity across North West Queensland.
Will holds a degree in Computer Systems Engineering from James Cook University and completed his PhD at JCU in 2024, researching how farmers use the internet and the role connectivity plays in the adoption of technology in rural and remote Australia. He is also a 2021 Fulbright Scholar, undertaking research in the United States into approaches to rural connectivity.
Combining lived experience on the land with engineering, research and business expertise, Will has become a strong advocate for better connectivity and technology solutions for regional Australia.
Senator the Hon Anthony Chisholm
Assistant Minister for Regional Development; Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; Assistant Minister for Resources; and Deputy Manager of Government Business in the Senate
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.
Cr Matt Burnett
Mayor - Gladstone Regional Council, President LGAQ and President ALGA
Mayor Matt Burnett was born and raised in the Gladstone Region with his family’s connection to the area extending six generations.
He is a former small business operator and qualified journalist, having 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 represented Central Queensland on the Local Government Association of Queensland Policy Executive prior to his election as President in October 2024 and is also President of the Australian Local Government Association, as well as a Central Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (CQROC) director and Gladstone Local Disaster Management Group Chair/Recovery Coordinator.
Commissioner Martin Stokie
Productivity Commission of Australia
Martin Stokie commenced a 5-year term as a full-time Commissioner with the Productivity Commission in April 2022.
Prior to joining the Commission, Martin was the lead partner for PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Economics and Policy practice. Martin was with PwC for 14 years and for the 7 years before that Martin was a Director with the (then) Allen Consulting Group. Martin started his career with the Victorian public service where he held roles in Treasury, Economic Development and Regulatory Reform.
Martin brings a wealth of experience of practical economic policy from his engagements across a broad array of clients. In particular, Martin has deep experience in regulatory policy at the State and Federal level and he has contributed to various government guides to regulation and the application of cost benefit analysis.
Bronwyn Blagoev
Director-General, Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers
Bronwyn Blagoev has more than 20 years’ experience in the Queensland Government across a range of portfolios. She has spent considerable time within the local government portfolio and has a strong understanding of local government in Queensland. With significant experience in policy and legislation, she has led key reforms for the Queensland Government, most recently in relation to integrity reforms within local government.
Prior to being appointed as Director-General, Bronwyn was Queensland’s Independent Assessor, working closely with stakeholders to implement significant and enduring reform to the councillor complaints framework. Bronwyn is pragmatic and well regarded by stakeholders, seen as someone who works across Government to drive solutions.
Originally from the Balonne Shire, Bronwyn is passionate about regional Queensland and has a particular interest in ensuring the sustainability of local communities, understanding the important role local government, water and volunteering plays in regional Queensland.
Bronwyn is an active volunteer herself and brings this experience to the role of Director-General.
Bronwyn is a strong believer in strengths-based leadership and in leading with kindness and compassion. She is focussed on mentoring others and creating workplaces where staff feel valued.
Joshua Hannan
Deputy Director-General (Local Government), Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers
Josh has more than 20 years’ experience in the Queensland public sector and is especially passionate about delivering for regional communities. Josh has a Bachelor of Business (Organisational Communication), Bachelor of Arts (Media/Journalism) and Master of Business Administration. Josh has a comprehensive and contemporary understanding of the strategic issues facing governments and has expertise in the areas of infrastructure planning and delivery, local government relations and strategic policy.
As General Manager, Transport Strategy and Planning at Transport and Main Roads, Josh forged strong relationships with local governments across Queensland. His experience engaging with the local government sector through the Roads Alliance provides him with a deep appreciation of the challenges faced by councils, particularly related to sustainability, which is the key priority of the department’s Local Government Division.
Josh believes in working hard to find meaningful solutions to complex problems and make a real difference to long-term sustainability.
Jae Lancaster
Deputy Director-General (Water Infrastructure, Policy & Partnerships), Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers
Jae is an experienced senior public service leader whose career is defined by delivering complex, multi-portfolio initiatives that bring together government, industry, and community stakeholders to achieve meaningful outcomes. She has played a central role in shaping state-wide and regional infrastructure strategies, driving economic development, and leading major reform agendas.
Jae has led the Economic Functional Recovery and Resilience Group within Queensland’s Disaster Management Framework for the last decade and has been called on to lead bespoke disaster response and recovery projects across the state – a testament to the trust placed in her ability to mobilise teams and deliver under pressure.
Her leadership is defined by a strong strategic lens, a relentless focus on outcomes, and a proven ability to build high-performing teams through periods of significant change.
Jarrod Cowley-Grimmond
Deputy Director-General (Water Resource Management), Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers
Jarrod has more than 20 years’ experience in policy development and implementation, project management, and best-practice regulation in Queensland and the United Kingdom, with skills in leadership, stakeholder management, intergovernmental relations, strategic reform and legislative development.
Jarrod is also active in the National Regulators’ Community of Practice, and represents Queensland at the Murray–Darling Basin Regulatory Leaders Forum.
Prior to joining the public sector, he worked as a solicitor and as a barrister of the Supreme Court of Queensland.
Jarrod is also the department’s Executive Champion for the LGBTQ+ community, actively supporting inclusion, representation and advocacy for LGBTQ+ employees and stakeholders.
Hon David Littleproud MP
Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, and Shadow Minister for Tourism
David Littleproud was elected to the House of Representatives for Maranoa, Queensland in 2016.
David became a Cabinet Minister on 20 December 2017 and was the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources from 20 December 2017 to 29 May 2019.
David was the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Drought Preparation and Response from 26 November 2018 to 25 January 2019 and 2 March 2019 to 29 May 2019.
On 6 February 2020, David was sworn in as the Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management.
Prior to entering politics, David worked in Banking and finance roles and owned a small business.
Cr Tony Rayner
Mayor – Longreach Regional Council
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.
Rachael Webster
Senior Project Coordinator, RAPAD
Rachael Webster is a Senior Project Coordinator with the Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD). Her role involves working across key regional projects including early childhood education and care (ECEC).
Part of this work has seen her lead the development of the RAPAD Review: Early Childhood Education and Care in CWQ report – released in February 2025. She initiated the RAPAD ECEC Alliance of Councils, bringing together councillors and local government staff to work together to strengthen coordinated advocacy, share knowledge and improve service outcomes for families across the region.
The RAPAD ECEC Alliance is working on delivering projects aimed at bringing together stakeholders, service providers, and community representatives to identify practical, region-wide solutions. This has included the first region-wide ECEC online forum in 2025 and targeted meetings with services providers and communities, and most recently the ECEC Action Forums hosted in Longreach and Blackall. Working with The Future Care Project the group currently has a Regional Childcare Access Survey underway.
Rachael is passionate about ensuring equitable access to childcare across the region. Living on a property outside Longreach, Rachael brings a deep personal perspective to her work, understanding firsthand the demands of balancing family life, property responsibilities, and a professional career.
Angela Cochrane
Founder and Director, Future Care Project
Angela Cochrane is the Founder and Director of The Future Care Project, a Queensland-based social enterprise working to close the childcare access gap across regional, rural and remote Australia. Based in Goondiwindi, Angela brings a workforce strategy and operational management lens to the early childhood education and care sector, grounded in two years of research and direct lived experience navigating the complexity of the childcare system in a rural town.
Her work spans grassroots community initiatives through to national advocacy. She presented formal evidence to the Senate Inquiry into the quality and safety of Australia's early childhood education and care system (Submission 60) and works closely with regional councils, peak bodies and federal parliamentarians to advance fit-for-purpose policy provisions that actually work for regional communities. Angela is a mother of three and believes that where a family lives should never determine the opportunities available to them or their children.
Nikki Boyd MP
Shadow Minister for Local Government and Water
Shadow Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery, Emergency Services and Volunteers
Nikki has dedicated her working life to looking after others and fighting for a fair go for everyone in our society – particularly those who are forgotten about or marginalised.
From her early working life as an Early Childhood Educator to her recent career campaigning for the rights of workers in Queensland – Nikki is about standing up with those who need it most. These are the values she brings to being the member for Pine Rivers.
Over the last decade Nikki has advocated for thousands working people including Early Childhood Educators, Aged Carers, Health Professionals through her work with her union, the United Workers Union.
Now Nikki brings her campaigning experience and passion for a fair go for all to standing up and fighting for a better future for the community she cares about – Pine Rivers.
Her previous ministerial portfolios include: Minister for Fire and Disaster Recovery and Minister for Corrective Services from 18 December 2023 - to 27 October 2024 and Assistant Minister for Local Government: 12 November 2020 - 17 December 2023.
Cr John (Tractor) Ferguson
Mayor - Bulloo Shire Council
Born in 1951 in Broken Hill, NSW, John grew up on various properties in the Channel Country west of Thargomindah. He commenced work as a grader driver with the Bulloo Shire Council in 1983.
In 1997 John started his own Apiary business. He has lived and worked in the region all his life. John is married to Peggy and together they have two daughters, Lisa and Tamie.
John has experience with Local Government, serving nine years as a Councillor on the Bulloo Shire Council. In 2004 he was elected as Mayor for the region and has held the position ever since.
Cr Ernie Camp
Mayor - Burke Shire Council
Cr Ernie Camp was elected to his fourth term as Mayor in 2024, following two terms as Deputy Mayor before 2012 and before that as a Councillor.
In all, Cr Camp has been involved in Local Government for 17 years. He is a Chair of the Australian Beef Association, as well as a member of AgForce, Gulf Cattleman’s Association, and NORTHBeef. He is a member of an implementation committee developing a new national grassfed beef representative body - Cattle Producer’s Australia - following on from recommendations by a senate committee into compulsory levies paid by the grassfed beef industry and is an inaugural Director of CPA. Cr Camp is a member of the Gregory Downs Jockey Club and has been race starter for many years. He is also a member of the Isolated Children’s Parents Association (ICPA), Gregory Downs Sporting Association and Southern Gulf NRM.
Cr Camp represents Council as a board member on the Riversleigh Community Scientific Advisory committee (RCSAC), North West Minerals Province Stakeholder Advisory Group (NWMPSAC), Isa Superbasin User’s Panel and is the Chair of Gulf Savannah Development.