Today I am confirming that I will not run for re-election in the upcoming local council elections.
It is a bittersweet decision that wasn’t taken lightly. I have loved my time as councillor and deputy mayor, but at 67 years old I feel it’s time to make more time for my family and friends.
It has been an absolute privilege to serve the Quilpie community for the last 27 years.
I feel very proud of what Council has achieved over the last quarter century and want to pay tribute to the fantastic staff who are our greatest asset and the backbone of everything we have achieved. I have witnessed the team continue to go above and beyond for the benefit of Quilpie Shire. This unique sense of pride and camaraderie will continue to hold our shire in good stead.
I also feel very fortunate to have worked alongside some outstanding mayors, CEO’s and fellow councillors. I am proud to have been part of the teams who have helped deliver financial stability to our council,. This is a legacy that will continue to benefit the shire for years to come.
Some of my proudest achievements during my tenure as councillor and deputy mayor include:
- Upgrading road networks throughout the Shire, in particular the Quilpie-Thargomindah Road and Adavale Red Road.
- Fully funding and building the state-of-the-art council depot ahead of schedule.
- Enhancing community facilities including shire halls, the airport terminal and turning Bulloo Park into a multi-purpose community space.
- Increased community consultation for forward planning.
- Building five new homes in 2023, with eight houses and six townhouses planned for 2024.
We may be relatively small, but we are mighty, and our reputation as a progressive Council has been well earned.
While I will no longer have an official capacity with Council, I look forward to continuing to support the community I love. I have a business to run and will help run fundraising activities for our local Friends in Isolation charity and working with them on the excellent support they offer our community. I would also like to continue being involved in community events.
I hope that my departure opens fresh opportunities for community members to consider a role as a councillor. I would like to wish prospective new candidates all the best, and hope that they find the new role as rewarding and fun as I have.
Kind Regards
Jennifer Hewson
Deputy Mayor
