General News
1 September, 2023
Unity 2024 announces election candidates
THE first team to contest next year’s Cairns Regional Council election has been revealed, a mixture of young and old faces and split evenly between men and women.
The team will field candidates in every division, except 9, held by independent Brett Olds who has indicated his support for Unity.
Current deputy mayor Terry James heads Unity 2024 with commitments from division 1 Councillor Brett Moller, division 6 Councillor Kristy Vallely and division 8 Councillor Rhonda Coghlan.
New faces to the local body political sphere are division 2 candidate, Nikki Giumelli, division 3 candidate Heidi Healy, division 4 candidate Jeremy Neal, division5 candidate Nathan Lee Long and division 7 candidate Matthew Calanna.
Cr James, incumbent division 4 representative will contest the mayoralty against other confirmed contenders current division 5 Councillor Amy Eden and businessman John Kelly.
The team was launched today. Cr James said it was “a well-credentialed and experienced group of candidates who will focus on what is important to the people of Cairns”.
“In all my years of experience and previous election campaigns, this is, without doubt, our strongest-ever team of candidates,” he said.
“When it comes to the intrinsic qualities of experience, financial acumen, commercial enterprise, a strong sense of community and social issues, this team will deliver big on energy, innovation, and grassroots engagement.
“Since the Unity-led council took office in 2012, financial sustainability and fiscal discipline have and will continue to be the team’s hallmark.
“New challenges demand priority with a primary focus on creating a safer city for all residents that ensures an enviable standard of liveability while centring on family wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and the development and empowerment opportunities for our young people.”
The team’s priorities are safety, liveability in the suburbs from Babinda to the Northern Beaches, environmental sustainability, fiscal responsibility and working together.
CANDIDATE BIOS BELOW
Cairns Unity Team Division 7 candidate, Matthew Calanna
About Matthew Calanna
In his bid for Local Government and to secure the Division 7 candidacy as a member of the Cairns Unity Team, Matthew Calanna will be proactive and responsive to his community’s needs and pledges to continue the legacy and work of his endorser, Councillor Max O’Halloran.
Note: Mr O’Halloran has announced that after three terms he will not contest his seat at the 2024 election. Matthew Calanna is a born and bred, fourth-generation Cairns local whose family connections to the region date back to the early 1900s. Mr Calanna has lived in Division 7,Whitfield/Edgehill area for the past 14 years and loves to call this special pocket of Cairns his home.
After completing his Bachelor of Pharmacy in 2003 Mr Calanna has dedicated the past two decades to community pharmacy. He cites his reason for choosing the community branch of pharmacy because it is one of the few healthcare professions that are readily accessible to the public, and without appointment, and a place where people can go for sound, trusted health advice.
Mr Calanna returned home to Cairns from Townsville after completing his studies and joined his father, Mario Calanna in the family business, which at the time consisted of two pharmacies, in Woree and North Cairns. 2 Mr Calanna has always had a keen interest in business and pharmacy and was keen to grow the brand his father had started back in 1976. He took on the role of developing the profile of Calanna Wholehealth Pharmacy and the network of stores. As a father and son team they were successful and with the support of their dedicated employees expanded the operation to 12 pharmacy locations across Cairns, Townsville, Innisfail, Atherton, and the Gold Coast. They took pride in offering a total solution to their customers in many innovative ways from incorporating naturopaths’ natural medicine and food alternatives to creating products specifically for customers in their compounding labs and providing specialised medication and delivery services to most of the aged care facilities in north Queensland.
An organisation based on strong community service principles, Calanna Wholehealth Pharmacy Group was generous in directly supporting numerous sporting and charitable fundraising organisations, schools, and parishes over the years while providing monetary assistance and stocking up the first aid kits of many clubs across the region.On a personal level, Mr Calanna has been a board member of the Cairns chapter of Meals on Wheels since 2012. He continues to serve on the board and over the years has enjoyed observing the organisation experience significant growth. It has been during this tenure that he worked closely with local Councillors and has always been appreciative of their great support.
Quotes attributable to Cairns Unity Team 2024 Division 7 candidate, Matthew
Calanna:
“I’m excited to announce that I have put my hand up to run as a candidate with Cairns Unity
Team for Division 7 in the 2024 Local Government election.
“I am grateful to the Unity Team for the opportunity and look forward to following in the
footsteps of Max O’Halloran, who has been a wonderful councillor for Cairns and Division 7
for the past 12 years.
“I have enjoyed serving the community in my role as a pharmacist and business owner in Cairns. I love this city and region and want to use the skills I have learned and gathered to keep our city growing and for Cairns to be a place for future generations to prosper, live, learn, work, and enjoy.
“Being of service to others is a big part of who I am.”
In a snapshot, Matthew Calanna’s focus for Division 7:
- Listening and responding to the needs of the community.
- Promoting accessibility across Cairns and suburbs with a quality network of
pedestrian and bike paths.
- Good lighting encourages people to use public areas and discourages nuisance.
- Audit and development of appropriate infrastructure to grow the population while
maintaining the tropical city’s look and feel.
- Maintain a solid fiscal policy that the incumbent Council has maintained over the last
decade.
- Helping families and businesses by keeping future rate increases below CPI.
- Expanding Council’s city safe program into the suburbs to assist law enforcement
and security for all.
- Review projects within the Botanical Gardens/Tanks/Centenary Lakes Masterplan
report to utilise and promote wider engagement by the local community.
- Expanding Council’s Go Clubs programs to develop youth involvement in sport –
encouraging discipline, teamwork, health, and wellbeing.
Cairns Unity Team Mayoral candidate Councillor Terry James
About Terry James
Cr Terry James is Cairns Regional Council’s current Deputy Mayor and Councillor for
Division 4 – an area spanning the Cairns suburbs of Earlville, Kanimbla, and parts of
Bungalow, Mooroobool, Woree and Bayview Heights.
Cr Terry James is the fourth generation of a pioneering Cairns family whose roots date back to the late 1800s on the Hodgkinson Gold Fields north of Dimbulah (behind Mareeba).
Cr James’ grandfather is buried at Mount Mulligan, the site of Australia’s worst mining disaster in 1921. After this disaster, the family moved to Cairns, where his father, George James began his trade as a cabinet maker, trained by George’s uncle, Ken Foley (past Alderman of Cairns City Council).
In the 60s Cr James’ father joined his uncle Archie James to establish ‘James Brothers’, a local building/house removalist company that built the long gone ‘House on the Hill’
(Division 4).
Cr James is married with five adult children and 12 grandchildren, all of whom live in Cairns. Cr James has enjoyed a long career as a Building Consultant (interior design, project management and planning consultant). Until recently and for a period of 46 years he operated a small and successful family consultancy firm, JB Design which is now owned by his son-in-law.
In the peak of the late ’80s, just before the ‘recession we had to have’, JB Design had 18 staff. Cr James knows full well the ‘ups and downs’ of running a small business, together with the daily needs of a growing family. JB Design clientele in those days were from 2 Townsville north, across the Cape and up to Papua New Guinea, where the daily routine also included negotiating/dealing with all the local Councils in these areas.
“I have worked both sides of the Local Government counter for many years.”Terry also applied his expertise and experience to specialist technical reports for the MCS Group during the Cyclones Larry and Yasi years. The group is a privately owned Australian national company that provides independent consultants’ technical reports to the Insurance industry, government agencies and private individuals.
Cr James was introduced to Local Government in 1988 when he ran for Cairns City Council with Mayor Ron Davis (Cairns Civic Association). He then ran with the original Unity Team in 1994 with Kevin Byrne. In 1999, Cr James served under Mayor Tom Pyne, until his retirement in 2000, Mayor Kevin Byrne from 2000 to 2008, and Mayor Bob Manning from 2012 to current.
In March 2024 Cr James will have served 22 years in Local Government. Cr James’ portfolio is as follows:
Councillor for Division 4
Deputy Mayor
Local Disaster Management Group – Chair
District Disaster Management Group – representative
Cairns Gallery Precinct Steering Committee – representative
The Industry Initiative
History over the past 20+ years
Cairns Regional Council
Esplanade Dining Precinct Committee
Chair - Cairns Works Committee,
Chair - Cairns Water Committee.
Chair - Planning and Environment Committee,
Deputy Mayor - 2006 to 2008,
Chair - City Safe Committee,
Chair - Building Committee for the Lagoon,
Representative - Botanical Gardens Master Plan Committee
Representative - Collins Avenue Realignment Committee,
FNQROC – Cairns Rep, Far North Queensland Regional Group of Councils,
Manoora Urban Renewal Program,
Chair - Cairns Traffic Advisory Committee.
Volunteer Experience Past Member
Australian Volunteer Coastguard - QF9 Cairns (volunteered 1980-1999)
15 Years National Medal – Service to the Community Staff Officer (Secretary) Section
Leader / Coxswain Vice Commander FNQ Squadron Board – Staff Captain
New Coast Guard Building Committee – Designer / Project Manager (Voluntary)
Cairns and District Youth and Recreation Association (volunteered 1992 – 2000)
Past Vice President / President
The Cairns Youth and Recreation Centre is a non-profit incorporated community organisation that provides a venue for the pursuit of sporting, cultural, health and wellbeing activities at a rental that is made affordable so as many groups as possible have access to it. Principally focussing on the health and development of young people. Far North Queensland Housing Awards Judge for HIA - Housing Industry Association Contributor to the Cairns Regional Council’s ‘Cairns Style Design Guide’ – for all building designs from residential, commercial, and industrial to: ‘Retain and enhance the distinct tropical style and character of Cairns’.
Contributor, CairnsPlan 2009 (Planning Scheme for the City of Cairns):
Hillslopes Code - Multiple Dwelling and Holiday Accommodation Code
Character Precinct Code
Volunteer Experience Current Member
Harald's House (volunteer from 2006 – present)
Building Sponsor – Provided building concept designs. “Harald's House is a community
solution for homeless children and young people. It will provide a safe, stable home in Cairns for local children – removing them from the risks of living on the street and helping to turn their troubled lives around. Far North Queensland Youth Assistance Fund (1999 – present) The fund was formed to assist disadvantaged youth in Far North Queensland to live a normal life and take advantage of the education, sporting, and youth club activities available. The fund also assists children and youth with any personal, health, education, or welfare problems with the help of other agencies or through major youth welfare facilities established and conducted by the Fund.
Cairns Unity Team Division 8 candidate Councillor Rhonda Coghlan
About Rhonda Coghlan
In her bid to continue working in Local Government and serving the people of Division 8, incumbent Councillor Rhonda Coghlan has confirmed candidacy for a second term with the Cairns Unity Team. Councillor Rhonda Coghlan is a long-time Northern Beaches resident who after relocating her young family from interstate to Yorkeys Knob in the early 90s became quickly embedded in the local community. Councillor Coghlan brings to Cairns Regional Council and her role as Councillor, a strong background in finance and governance. Prior to beginning her first term as Councillor for Division 8 in 2020, Ms Coghlan had acquired 30 years in the finance industry with leadership roles in both Business Banking and Financial Planning – experience and expertise that has served her well at a time when local governance requires a solid focus on fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
In her current role as Councillor, Rhonda Coghlan has served as Chair of Cairns Regional Council’s Governance and Economics committee and Deputy Chair of the Local Government Disaster Committee.
Quotes attributable to Cairns Unity Team 2024 Division 8 candidate, Councillor
Rhonda Coghlan:
“I am very proud to confirm my candidature and announce that I will run again for Division
8 in 2024.
“My dedication and passion for Cairns and its surrounding region continue to grow from
strength to strength.
“I’ve been involved in many community and sporting groups, including Rugby League (still
volunteering today), and cycling, more recently mountain biking.
“This Unity-led council has achieved many great milestones in this term, however for me, to
see some smaller goals come to fruition has been very rewarding.”
“Over the past three years, I've been actively working with and listening to the people of
Division 8 which I ensure through attending a series of scheduled monthly meetings.
“I love what I do and I’m always open to new ideas.”
In a snapshot, Rhonda Coghlan’s focus & achievements for Division 8:
If re-elected, Councillor Coghlan will focus her second term of Local Government on
achieving the following:
- Primary focus to make Cairns and the Division 8 community, a better, safer place to
live.
- To oversee the expansion of Cairns’ city safe program to the Division 8 Northern
Beaches area.
- To oversee the progression of the Smithfield Sporting Precinct Master Plan and the
Barron Waters Masterplan; which includes a playground programmed for imminent
development.
- To advocate for budgeting and development of two-remaining links to complete the
Northern Beaches Leisure trail (city to Machans Beach and Holloways Beach to
Yorkeys Knob).
Highlights of Division 8 milestones achieved during Councillor Coghlan’s current term of
Local Government are as follows:
- Barr Creek Bridge connecting Machans Beach to Holloways Beach forms an integral
link to the Northern Beaches Leisure trail; Yorkeys Knob to Smithfield forms another.
Students can now cycle to school safely using both connections.
- The addition and ongoing development of footpaths and bike paths connecting
communities.
- Program of ongoing road rehabilitation and kerb and channel replacements.
- Rock groynes were completed at Holloways Beach along with an ongoing program
of adding further rock headlands to help minimise erosion and protect the beach.
- Beach foreshores have been upgraded highlighting natural beauty and continue to
be rigorously maintained in the ongoing works program.
Cairns Unity Team Division 6 candidate Councillor Kristy Vallely
About Kristy
Vallely Councillor Kristy Vallely.
In her bid to continue her work in Local Government and serving the people of Division 6, incumbent Councillor Kristy Vallely has confirmed candidacy for a second term with the Cairns Unity Team. A proud local of the Redlynch area for over 35 years, Councillor Kristy Vallely is incredibly passionate about the region she calls home. In fact, her family ties to the area Redlynch and Freshwater community run deep, having married into the Vallely family who owned and operated local butchers’ shops from 1925 until the last outlet was sold in 2017.
Councillor Vallely and her husband Ben and have been together for over 30 years and have two children, 17 years, and 14 years - who attend Redlynch State College of which she is the President of the school’s P & C and a member of the Redlynch State College Council board. Having come from a family of business owners, Councillor Vallely has a deep understanding and passion for enterprise and particularly, ‘buying and supporting local’. Her own experience includes managing the family’s business, Harleys – The Educational Super Store for over 30 years which has grown to be one of the largest, independently run educational retailers in Queensland. Councillor Vallely is a very active member of the business community, experienced event organiser, facilitator, and founder of the well-known online community She Means Business Today.
Councillor Kristy Vallely’s career highlights include:
- A thought leader in the parenting space as seen on 60 Minutes.
- Winner - Australian Entrepreneur award at Ausmumpreneur for "Making a Difference".
- Winner - Cairns Regional Council "Woman of the Year". - Named - One of the most clickable women in Australia by News Website Mamamia.
Quotes attributable to Cairns Unity Team 2024 Division 6 candidate, Councillor Kristy Vallely: “I am proud and incredibly passionate about the Redlynch area that I have called home for over 35 years.
“Coming from a family of business owners, I have a deep understanding and love for business and ‘buying and supporting local’.
“I have never been afraid of hard work and getting in and getting the job done – and would welcome the opportunity to continue to serve the Division 6 community as their elected representative.”
Councillor Kristy Vallely’s focus & achievements for Division 6:
- Upgrade and large major refurbishment of Redlynch Skate Park.
- New Basketball Court at Sally and John Mitchell Park, Redlynch.
- Extension of Redlynch Razorbacks football club locker room and canteen.
- New shelter, basketball and tennis courts upgraded, bubbler and trees at Loridan Drive Park.
- Pedestrian bridge renewal Longden St, Brinsmead.
- Major upgrade to Magazine and Arnold St, Stratford.
- Upgrade is the unsealed BMX pump track at Redlynch Valley. 3
- Engineering of footpath between Ryan Wear and Freshwater Christian College.
- Landscaping, tree planting and installation of rustic table and chairs at Richmond Park, Freshwater.
- Multiple footpaths; new and renewed across Division 6.
If re-elected, Councillor Vallely will focus her second term of Local Government on achieving the following:
- Primary focus on safety and crime prevention.
- Expand the Cairns’ City Safe program to hotspots in Division 6.
- Progress the Redlynch Sporting Precinct, and $35.5 m project.
- To increase connectivity and pathways, such as the footpath between Ryan Weare Park and Freshwater Christian College (in partnership with the State Government).
- To continue to be accessible, responsive and an unapologetic advocate for the Division 6 community.
- Complete the Redlynch Sport and Recreation Parklands Master Project Plan.
- Continue infrastructure development with a focus on footpaths across Division 6.
- Continue to support the Freshwater and Stratford Community Association with their intended plans for the area.
- Continue to work with the community at Brinsmead to create communityfocused activities for families.
- Continue to listen and respond to Division 6 community needs proactively.
Cairns Unity Team Division 3 candidate, Heidi Healy
About Heidi Healy
In her bid for Local Government and to secure the Division 3 candidacy as a member of the Cairns Unity Team, Heidi Healy will draw on her youth, energy, leadership, and entrepreneurial business acumen to represent and work on behalf of her local community.
Heidi Healy’s Torres Strait Islander and South Sea Islander heritage from her maternal family, combined with the business and political leadership from her father's lineage support a diverse skill set and strong work ethic.
At 19 years of age, Heidi launched her first business, a family daycare centre, where she worked in both Assistant Director and Director roles over the course of two years. In 2019 she changed focus with the opening of La Belle Lash and in 2021, established, Cairns Beauty Bar; an initiative that brings together women business owners in a shared beauty space.
Heid happily juggles motherhood with the demands of two thriving businesses but still finds time for working in and with her community. She is particularly interested in empowering young entrepreneurs and volunteering at local events including the Great Pyramid Race and providing free beauty services at the annual Emergency Services Ball.
Heidi Healy’s career highlights include:
• Cairns Show Rural Ambassador 2023
• Named in Top 30 Entrepreneurs 2023, The Cairns Post
• Guest Speaker – Cairns Finest Young Leaders, Business Liaison Association 2023
• Finalist – Emerging Leadership Excellence Award, Cairns Business Excellence
Awards 2022
• Finalist – People Management Excellence Award, Cairns Business Excellence Awards
2021
• Finalist – Customer Service – Trade, Retail & Services, Cairns Business Excellence
Awards 2021
Quotes attributable to Cairns Unity Team 2024 Division 3 candidate, Heidi Healy:
“I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for Division 3 with the esteemed Unity Team - renowned for its diverse skill set and exceptional track record in serving the Cairns
community and region.
“I am committed to driving positive change and ensuring a vibrant future for our beautiful region.
“As a Division 3 Councillor candidate, I will be steadfast in my commitment to uniting
diverse perspectives, harnessing collective strengths, and delivering tangible improvements for our community.
“I am dedicated to giving back and will draw on my leadership qualities and entrepreneurial drive to tackle the challenges we face as a community.”
In a snapshot, Heidi Healy’s focus for Division 3:
- Community Safety
Crime Prevention Programs: Developing and supporting programs that educate residents about crime prevention measures, such as neighbourhood watch programs and selfdefence classes.
Youth Engagement: Creating after-school activities and mentorship programs for at-risk youth to divert them from criminal influences.
- Enhancing our Suburbs Fostering vibrant local economies by supporting small businesses and community initiatives.
Urban Planning: Implementing beautification projects such as public art installations, landscaping, and street cleaning to enhance the visual appeal of suburbs.
- Families and Young People
Expanding access to quality education and extracurricular activities for our youth. Family Support Services: Providing counselling, workshops, and resources for parents to navigate the challenges of raising children.
- Cost of living
Advocating for affordable housing options and exploring cost-saving measures for families.
- The Environment
Championing sustainable practices that protect our natural resources and preserve the beauty of our region.
- Sport
Promoting recreational programs that encourage active lifestyles and community engagement.
- Transport
Improving public transportation options to ease commuter stress and reduce traffic congestion.
Cairns Unity Team Division 4 candidate, Jeremy Neal
About Jeremy Neal
In his bid for Local Government and to secure the Division 4 candidacy as a member of the Cairns Unity Team, Jeremy Neal will be responsive to his community and continue the work of Mayoral candidate and endorser, Councillor Terry James.
Born and bred in southwest Queensland Jeremy Neal has lived in Cairns since 2011, serving as a paramedic for the past 15 years in various roles with Queensland Ambulance Service.
In this role, he worked for six years at Mareeba Station before transferring to Edmonton and is currently the acting Officer in Charge of Gordonvale Station. A proud resident of Earlville in the Division 4 suburb of Cairns, Mr Neal is married to Leearna, a Registered Nurse, and is bringing up a family who together enjoy the Far North lifestyle of getting out and about, visiting the region’s natural wonders, and camping at any campsite they can find.
Quotes attributable to Cairns Unity Team 2024 Division 4 candidate, Jeremy
Neal:
"I'm excited to announce that I'm running for Division 4 Councillor with the Unity Team for Cairns Regional Council. I'm very much looking forward to continuing the work of Councillor Terry James - who will be seeking election as Mayor of our city. Unity is nominating its strongest team ever and I’m proud to be part of it.
“In my career, there have been some tough times with many sights and experiences you would never wish on your worst enemy. These experiences have made me stronger with a drive to support the vulnerable among us.
“My reason to nominate for my community comes from seeing the good that comes from helping people in times of need.”
In a snapshot, Jeremy Neal’s focus for Division 4:
- Maintain reasonable rates and council charges.
- Improve traffic flow and safety configuration around
Early education/childcare centres and schools.
- Expand the CBD’s CCTV system to suburban hot spots.
- Advocate for a sensible housing infill policy to ensure the character
of suburbs are maintained in line with the city’s growth.
- Maintain and expand the Moody Creek Pump Track area.
- Support the growth and development of local clubs and associations.
- Ensuring efficacy of management programs curbing antisocial behaviour
in CBD and prevention of spread to suburbs.
- Focus on youth crime through a ‘Know Your Neighbour’ system.
Cairns Unity Team Division 5 candidate, Nathan Lee Long
About Nathan Lee Long
In his bid for Local Government and to secure the Division 5 candidacy as a member of the Cairns Unity Team, Nathan Lee Long will draw on his vast career experience and strong community and cultural ties to effectively represent and work for the people in his constituency.
Nathan Lee Long is a 6th-generation Cairns local with family roots dating back to 1907. A pioneer of the area, Nathan’s great, great, great grandfather, Kwong Sue Duk was a local businessman and Chinese herbalist that acted as a pseudo–Chinese Consul and mediator between Chinese settlers and other residents. Descendants of Kwong Sue Duk then continued to be part of and serve the Cairns community. This is evident through, the long history of sport in Cairns through Bill Lee Long’s Sports Store, a generation of students coached tennis by Billy Lee Long, the establishment of Raintrees Shopping Centre, the music industry in Far North Queensland and other businesses.
Nathan attended Cairns West State School and Trinity Bay State High School before entering the workforce as a cadet designer/drafter while simultaneously undertaking further study.
In a professional capacity, Nathan Lee Long is a project manager with 20 years of experience in the delivery and management of civil engineering projects and residential land development.
Mr Lee Long has held roles with three leading professional services consulting firms and gained project experience across northern Australia and southeast Queensland. Nathan has a thorough understanding of the complexities of the Queensland planning legislation and can identify what is a good project for both success of the proponent and more importantly, for Cairns.
Nathan Lee Long has held roles within the following boards and advisory groups:
· UDIA Queensland Cairns Branch
· The Queensland Plan
· CQ University Region Engagement Committee
· Cairns Regional Council’s Industry Reference Group
· Cairns Regional Council’s Sister City Advisory Committee
Added to this, Mr Lee Long is a Justice of the Peace (Qualified) since 2019.
Since 2014 Mr Lee Long and his wife operate a local event management and services business.
In a community capacity, Nathan Lee Long has a long of history of contribution to service and dedication seen in the following examples.
A leader of a local church taking on day-to-day administration of the church as well as preaching, member care, social activities, and events and outreach.
A current Vice President of the Cairns Show Association and has served on the committee for over five years in numerous roles.
A Vice President of Edge Hill State School’s P & C that leads numerous fundraising activities to support the learning and facilities at Edge Hill State School.
Community representative and chair of Trinity Bay State High School’s, School Council.
President of Cairns Food & Wine Festival Inc. that has presented one of Cairns’ premier events showcasing the local produce and culinary talent of the region.
Former, long-serving committee member of Cairns and District Chinese Association Inc. during which he assumed numerous roles including Vice President. During this time he played an integral role in the growth of the Cairns Chinese New Year celebrations and led the establishment of the Grafton Street Festival honouring Cairns’ historic Chinatown.
Nathan Lee Long was nominated for his community service to participate in the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Queen’s Batton Relay.
Quotes attributable to Cairns Unity Team 2024 Division 5 candidate, Nathan Lee Long:
“Service to the community is built into my family’s DNA.”
“I am passionate about providing a future for the next generation, one that is prosperous, healthy and provides an opportunity for growth so our children can remain in the region.”
“My decision to run for council is a culmination and convergence of my professional and community roles where I have gained the experience required to lead as the Councillor for Division 5 of Cairns Regional Council.”
In a snapshot, Nathan Lee Long’s focus for Division 5:
- Listening and responding to the needs of the community.
- Activation of the Cairns CBD to increase the permanent resident population and reduce anti-social behaviour.
- Implementation of the Major Events Precinct masterplan and support investment in Barlow Park and the Cairns Showgrounds.
- Suburban enhancement to improve mobility and safety.
- Cairns Airport and CBD Transport Link.
Cairns Unity Team Division 2 candidate, Nikki Giumelli
About Nikki Giumelli
In her bid for Local Government and to secure the Division 2 candidacy as a member of the Cairns Unity Team, Nikki Giumelli will draw on her experience in local advocacy, small business ownership and love of Cairns and Far North Queensland’s community.
An active member of the Cairns community, Nikki Giumelli is a partner to Pat and mother to their teenagers Grace, Finn, and James. She is a tourism business owner whose career background includes high school teaching.
In 2014, Ms Giumelli and her partner Pat founded the adrenalin-charged and successful sightseeing operation, Bad Fishing Jet Boating before adding a pontoon and ‘tinny boat’ rental business, Cairns Boat Hire in 2016. Both businesses were sold to the Cairns Adventure Group in 2023. Her expertise comes from managing business operations, sales and marketing, business development and finance. According to Ms Giumelli, she has developed many strong relationships in the city’s broader community through connecting with organisations such as The Chamber of Commerce, The Cairns Businesswomen’s Club, Tourism Tropical North Queensland, and the Skal Club of Cairns.
Ms Giumelli completed her Master’s in Tourism Management from James Cook University (JCU) and drawing on her teaching background, has also taught business and tourism students at JCU, and currently consults with small business organisations to promote sustainability and fine-tune financial acumen. Ms Giumelli believes her experience in advocacy, notably liaising with State and Federal Ministers, media, and local organisations such as the Cairns Chamber of Commerce during COVID-19, sets her in good stead to effectively serve the community. She is also a voluntary member of the QLD Government Regional Community Forum (since 2022).
On a personal note, Ms. Giumelli loves spending time with her family including hiking the local walking trails, swimming in local creeks, visiting the weekend markets and attending some of the amazing local shows, events, and galleries are among her favourite things to do.
Quotes attributable to Cairns Unity Team 2024 Division 2 candidate, Nikki
Giumelli:
“It is with great enthusiasm and excitement that I announce my candidacy for Division 2 as part of the Cairns Unity Team’s 2024 campaign.
“Cairns is an outstanding place to live, work and play and the Unity team is diverse and impressive and exceptionally well positioned to represent the community and benefit the region.
“I thrive on hard work and getting outcomes for the people I work with. I advocate strongly for sourcing and developing opportunities that enable individuals and businesses to thrive in our region.
“I will engage my extensive advocacy skills and network to advocate strongly for positive outcomes for the community of Cairns and Division 2.”
In a snapshot, Nikki Giumelli’s focus for Division 2:
- Safety in the suburbs.
Unity has a solid plan for continued work in the suburbs - to improve lighting and expand the CCTV network to hotspots in the suburbs.
- Families, youth & community services.
New Edmonton library with access to technology and learning and support services for adults and students including spaces that can be accessed for shared learning/meetings and workshops.
- Supporting local organisations, clubs, networks, and associations within the community.
- Maintenance and continued improvement of infrastructure.
Including kerb and channel footpaths replacement and implementation as needed to support access needs across the community, manicured and well-presented parks.
- A focus on sustainability.
- Sound fiscal management.
Focus on maintaining reasonable rates and charges for residents.
- Available and embedded in the community.
A responsive, collaborative community leader, interested and available to listen, learn and work with constituents for mutually beneficial outcomes.
Cairns Unity Team Division 1 candidate Councillor Brett Moller
About Brett Moller
In his bid to continue working in Local Government and serving the people of Division 1, incumbent Councillor Brett Moller has confirmed candidacy for a third term with the Cairns Unity Team.
A fourth-generation resident of Division 1, Councillor Brett Moller comes from one of Gordonvale’s pioneer sugar farming families on his father’s side and on his mother’s, side is a third-generation grandson of a Greek emigrant and small business owner from Babinda. Elected for the first time in 2016 and again in 2020, Councillor Moller is now seeking reelection for a third term to continue working on behalf of the Division 1 community and build upon past and current achievements.
A respected lawyer in Cairns and the southern corridor, Councillor Moller was a partner in his own practice before joining Local Government. He is now a part-time consultant to a legal practice which enables him to undertake his Council duties. Councillor Moller believes his knowledge of the law and professional experience has and will continue to prove invaluable when serving the community.
Councillor Moller has extensive experience and accomplishments as a Company Director. He has served as a Director of an ASX-listed company, Deputy Chair of a Cooperative Sugar Milling Company, a previous Chair of the Government Ports North board, State President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a Director of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry board.
Councillor Moller’s significant experience in corporate governance has been acknowledged by the local Council for making a valuable contribution to civic decision-making processes.Consequently, he has assumed several Chair roles in Governance and Infrastructure, including the former Water and Waste committee, and has represented Cairns Regional Council as Deputy Chair of the Local Authority Waste Management Action Committee (a regional Queensland Local Government and Private sector resource recovery organisation).
Making himself readily available and known for his ‘Brett mobile, Triton ute’ whose signage celebrates the locale’s attractions of the Pyramid and Babinda Boulders, Councillor Moller is ever-present across Division 1. He encourages constituents to look out for him to come and have a chat – be it at a community market day, school fete, or sporting game day. Councillor Moller’s hashtag is #gettingthejobdoneindivision1
Quotes attributable to Cairns Unity Team 2024 Division 1 candidate, Councillor Brett Moller:
“Division 1 is where I feel a true sense of place and belonging.
“Division 1 is my heartland and heritage, and I am honoured to work for our community to get the job done.
“As the Division 1 representative, I have my finger on the pulse of local issues and am always ready to listen and advocate.”
In a snapshot, Brett Moller’s focus & achievements for Division 1:
If re-elected, Councillor Moller will focus his third term of Local Government on
achieving the following:
- Investing in CCTV for suburban hot spots.
- $6M upgrade to Kenrick Park, Gordonvale.
- Alley Park Masterplanning.
- Tree plantings as requested by communities.
- Whitman Street, Mirriwinni Road widening.
- Road resealing on rural roads.
- Kerb and channelling in suburbs.
- Footpaths and playground upgrades.
Highlights of Division 1 milestones achieved during Councillor Moller’s term of Local
Government are as follows:
- Upgrades to Pacific and Paperbark Parks at Bramston Beach.
- Babinda Boulders all abilities upgrade and advanced safety audit measures
through signage and education programs.
- Footpaths along Boulders Rd and Pollard Roads, Babinda to service Babinda
P-12 State School.
- New water pipes from Frenchmans Creek to Babinda and Mirriwinni to Stager Road.
- New Babinda Pump Track at Bill Wakeham Park.
- Greenpatch transformed into RV Park, Gordonvale.
- Bungara Heritage Walking Trail, Gordonvale town to Greenpatch via Mill Gardens
(created at cnr Cannon and Mill Streets), Gordonvale.
- Overflow car park and tree plantings Mill Street, Gordonvale.
- Norman Park upgrades; footpaths, new playground, exercise equipment,
- Playground upgrades Pyramid Estate,
- Footpaths between Petersen Road and Mt Peter Road, Edmonton.
- Improvements to Petersen Park.
- Playground upgrades in Farmer Street/Carruthers Street precincts (residential area
north and south of Petersen Road).
- Signage; naming the new Mount Peter suburb.
Councillor Brett Moller actively supports the following Division 1 community
associations, including:
- Bramston Beach Progress Association, Babinda Museum, Babinda Chamber,
Babinda Taskforce, Babinda Information Centre, Babinda Harvest Festival, and
Babinda Markets.
- Gordonvale Chamber, Mulgrave Landcare, Aloomba & Fishery Falls Progress
Association, Mulgrave Shire Historical Society, Great Pyramid Race and Gordonvale
Markets.
- Babinda, Gordonvale and Edmonton Men’s Sheds, Babinda, and Gordonvale Lions
& RSL.
- Edmonton Neighbourhood Watch.
- All Traditional Owner organisations.
- All Division 1 sporting organisations, schools and more.
