Get To Know Peter Hood
Mayoral Candidate
Tell us about where you have lived over the course of your life:
Central Coast NSW, Perth WA, New Zealand, USA, Middle East, and then fell in love with The Whitsundays from 1997 to the present time. The Whitsunday is my home.
What careers, education and experience has led you to this point?
I attended James Ruse Agriculture College Carlingford NSW and from Central Coast NSW. I moved to Perth at the age of 17 to take up a cadet accountant training position whilst attending Uni part time to fully qualify as a practising accountant at the age of 23.
I started my own accounting practice at the age of 24. Became a member of CPA Australia in 1977; a registered Company and Forensic Auditor in 1978, and a Tax Agent in 1977. Created the AccountantConnect.net.au business network in 2004. I am now a Fellow of CPA Australia.
Tell us a bit about you:
Two children, a partner in life, dog and lorikeet who are inseparable. Tennis, camping, and air travel with lifestyle interests in Queenstown, New Zealand, that also extend with to my connection to substantial client tourism business affairs in The Whitsundays and NZ’s Dunedin, Christchurch, and Queenstown.
Time to share – Tell us an anecdote about something funny, inspiring, incredible or poignant that has happened in your life.
As a six-year-old fishing with my grandfather with his mates that stunk of fish; they were all wearing beanies 7pm at night at Wagstaff wharf with us kids fishing for squid. Then after Pop died to tearfully and laughingly discover that one of pops fish stinky mates was Spike Milligan; the lead voice in my favourite radio program; The Goon Show.
Here’s your 80-word elevator pitch – what makes you the best candidate for the job?
“They (WRC) know that I know.” With 70+ clients associating with WRC near-daily for 15+ years, I am more than reasonably informed on how WRC wastes its resources. If you want WRC business as usual, then vote for one of the other candidates. If you want meaningful change, then vote for me. After 16 years of pain, it is now time for The Whitsundays to stop stuffing around and call a spade a spade!
Clay Bauman
Division 2 Candidate
Tell us about where you have lived over the course of your life:
Born in Brisbane, at 21 I travelled and worked around the world in film and TV. Having visited Airlie over the years I would drive over the hill into town and often dreamt of seeing my boat in the bay. 15 years ago, that dream came true and I’ve loved every minute of my time here. Can’t say I get to go sailing as much as I used to, but that makes it all the more special when I do.
What careers, education and experience has led you to this point?
I started studying architecture which probably grounds my strengths in planning. I chose editing TV and was headhunted for editor in Europe’s first digital post production facility, then as a technical director for NBC New York. In Oz I received The Cinematography Society Gold Award for work I was producing and directing. That gave me the experience of managing multiple departments, people and budgets, plus the research and technical skills that allow me to comprehend the many operations of Council.
Tell us a bit about you:
There is just my lovely lady and me. We lost our little furry friend at the end of his long life, almost exactly a year ago. We're still not ready to replace him but will take in another rescue when we are. Free time is far less since becoming Councillor, but we enjoy the time we get sailing, walking and going to local restaurants. I’m active in many groups and it’s the other volunteers that inspire me to continue.
Time to share – Tell us an anecdote about something funny, inspiring, incredible or poignant that has happened in your life.
My sailing nickname is Humphrey. That’s because I actually was Humphrey B. Bear for his live performances in Brisbane.
Here’s your 80-word elevator pitch – what makes you the best candidate for the job?
I’m a current resident of Cannonvale. I’ve walked the streets mapping the missing footpaths. I drive the streets daily, but it’s not just that I’m a local; I’ve had the world experience, the choice to live anywhere and I’ve chosen here. I think I recognise, like you, how special this place is, it’s not just “’the beach”, it’s an internationally recognised natural asset that can give us and future generations security, but only if we do it right.
Quick Fire Round:
Star sign: Libra
Favourite colour: Blue
Favourite holiday destination? Sailing
What do you eat for breakfast: Poached eggs on vegemite toast
What’s the last song you listened to? David Flower playing live at Montes
The best thing you’ve seen this year: “Never let a good disaster go to waste” written by an old friend’s talented wife
Fav Quote: “There is nothing permanent except change”
Tell Us Something most people don't know about you? I built my own computer and my desk
Describe your personality in three words: Caring, conscientious and creative
Phil Batty
Mayoral Candidate
Tell us about where you have lived over the course of your life:
Originally born in Yorkshire England, I emigrated to Australia, with my wife Sue and our two daughters, 34 years ago this year settling in Melbourne for 11 years before coming to the Whitsundays in 2002 to Manage Daydream Island.
What careers, education and experience has led you to this point?
After leaving grammar school I became an apprentice engineer then took a career change into hospitality. Working my way up from kitchen hand to the Executive General Manager of Food and Beverage at Crown Casino in Melbourne, the largest single site hospitality role in the Southern Hemisphere. Also looking after the 2012 London Olympics, The Australian Open Tennis, The Australian Formula One and many others.
Tell us a bit about you:
Happily married to Sue for almost 45 years, renewed our vows on Whitehaven Beach after 25 years. Two amazing daughters both working for the Ambulance Service and six grandchildren, four girls and two boys. We have a nine-year-old Moodle named Pepi. In my spare time I love to play golf, I was President of Proserpine Golf Club until late last year.
Time to share – Tell us an anecdote about something funny, inspiring, incredible or poignant that has happened in your life.
My proudest moment in recent times which brought tears to my eyes was when I presented the Airlie Beach Flashmob Video to the people who made it happen. Hundreds of locals, dozens of businesses, thousands of hours all pulling together to create something truly special. It was the most amazing community event I have ever organised and has enjoyed the most social media success for the Whitsundays in history. If you are not one of the 1.7 million people, do yourself a favour and watch it, you will have tears too.
Here’s your 80 word elevator pitch – what makes you the best candidate for the job?
Apart from my experience managing people, organisations and businesses, P&L’s and budgets of hundreds of millions I have a passion and a care for this region which is unsurpassed and demonstrated on many occasions. A sitting councillor told me last week it would be unbelievable for anyone who has never even attended a council meeting to think they can stand for Councillor let alone Mayor. I am the only candidate who has attended many council meetings in the past two years, asked many questions in council.
Quick Fire Round:
Star sign: Gemini
Favourite colour: Blue
Favourite holiday destination: Paris
What do you eat for breakfast: Cereal
What’s the last song you listened to? Sweet Caroline
The best thing you’ve seen this year? Equaliser 3
Fav Quote: “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you are probably right”
Tell us something most people don't know about you? Softy at heart
Describe your personality in three words: Honest, Caring, Reliable
John Finlay
Division 6 Candidate
Tell us about where you have lived over the course of your life?
I am originally from Bundaberg and grew up there and met my amazing wife Pam and commenced my first position in the Bundaberg City Council. For advancement and experience in Councils we moved to Mirani (Mirani Shire Council) and then to Biloela (Banana Shire Council). We moved to Bowen in 1996 to commence the position of Director of Financial Services with the Bowen Shire Council. We built a house in Bowen and have lived there since.
Tell us a bit about you:
We have wonderful children and grandchildren and our dogs and cat like plenty of attention. I love the walking on the beach and the Edgcumbe Heights track, kayaking around the bays, boating and fishing and golfing as well as watching sports including rugby league, motor racing, basketball and surfing.
Here’s your 80-word elevator pitch – what makes you the best candidate for the job?
The qualities and attributes I have to undertake the role are my community values and involvement including economic development, my professional qualifications including Fellow of Certified Practising Accountants Australia and local government qualifications and my professional employment including owning and managing an accounting business in Bowen and the Whitsunday, former roles in Councils being Chief Executive Officers, and Directors of Corporate and Financial Services.
Quick Fire Round:
Star sign: Cancer
Favourite colour: Green
Favourite holiday destination: The waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands
What do you eat for breakfast: Special K
What’s the last song you listened to: Waymaker
Fav Quote: “Every champion was once a contender who refused to give up”
Tell Us Something most people don't know about you? I love to be still
Describe your personality in three words: Positive, Caring, Visionary
Get To Know Tony Price
Division 2 Candidate
Tell us about where you have lived over the course of your life:
My family moved to Cannonvale in 1959, my mother was a long-time local (Faust family - in area since 1880s). I’ve lived here ever since apart from five-years in Brisbane looking after terminally ill in-laws. I was educated in Proserpine, I lived there until I purchased a home in Cannonvale. Over the years, we’ve lived in two homes in Cannonvale. Currently renovating a house in Proserpine (been in family since 1910) and intend to build on our dream block at Jessies Way, Cannonvale.
What careers, education and experience has led you to this point?
I’ve worked in Banking (1972-1974), Tyre Industry (1974-1992), Whitsunday Division 2 Councillor (six years) and Tourism Whitsundays. I built and ran the Cannonvale Tyre Service/Service Station and owned the Palace Hotel in Proserpine from 1995 to 2004. A career highlight was writing a 400-page ‘History of Queensland Rugby League’ (500 photos) which was sold through Dymocks and QBD. I’ve donated hundreds of books to schools around Queensland.
Tell us a bit about you:
I love dogs and have had heaps over the years but they curtail travel so none now. Four children - Leighann, Shannon, Kieran and Kathleen - and 11 grandkids. I’m heavily involved in the rugby league community on a Queensland wide basis and last week donated $6,000.00 to local juniors from a fundraising reunion we organised in the Whitsundays.
Time to share – Tell us an anecdote about something funny, inspiring, incredible or poignant that has happened in your life.
The first time I ran for Council some community members were saying ‘A Vote for Tony Price would be a vote for Proserpine’. At the time I owned a business, lived in Cannonvale and my wife was teaching at Cannonvale State School. Election was held, I was elected to represent the Whitsunday Coast and soon won over my detractors simply by being tenacious and fighting for the rights of my electorate – Division 2.
Here’s your 80-word elevator pitch – what makes you the best candidate for the job?
I can get the job done. I know my stuff and will fight for Division 2. During my tenure as Whitsunday Councillor, I always found a way to get other councillors on-side and voting in favour for projects and improvements for the Cannonvale area – to do this you need tenacity, communication and negotiation skills as well as region-wide support. I’m community, business and tourism focussed and can progress many things in Division 2 and our Whitsunday Region.
Quick Fire Round:
Star sign: Gemini
Favourite colour: Green (Irish)
Favourite holiday destination: Airlie Beach
What do you eat for breakfast: Eggs on toast
What’s the last song you listened to: 7-Spanish Angels (Highway Men)
The best thing you’ve seen this year? ABC Australian made series with Bryan Brown called ‘Darby & Joan’
Fav Quote: Martin Luther King's last speech - I've been to the Mountaintop
Tell Us Something most people don't know about you? The Chairman of the Gold Coast Titans Rugby League team (Dennis Watt) referred to me in print as, “Australia’s leading, living rugby league historian”
Describe your personality in three words: Honest, Loyal, Tenacious
Ry Collins
Mayoral Candidate
Tell us about where you have lived over the course of your life:
Originally from Currumbin on the Gold Coast, I've lived a good part of my life in South-East Queensland and much of my professional career in Brisbane and some short-term stints interstate. I'm coming into my sixth year living in the Whitsundays but had prior stints here first establishing a house in Cannonvale in 2013. My journey to this area was inspired by its natural beauty and desire to have my kids grow up in an area like what I had known growing up.
What careers, education and experience has led you to this point?
I've had a diverse career across a number of industries which has allowed me to develop a strong set of transferable skills which will benefit me in this role. Leaving school, I studied business whilst also finding work with family in the construction industry. This led to 15 years in the construction industry as a manager delivering major projects in SEQ such as the Gateway Bridge duplication and Q1 tower. In need of a change and with a passion for people, I side stepped into the education and training sector supporting young people into Apprenticeships through the federal government's AASN program for five years before making the life change with my family to the Whitsundays, taking a contract role with WRC's Economic development unit. This role allowed me to develop wonderful connections in our key industries, supporting them through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and providing a platform into my current role as the CEO of Bowen Gumlu Growers among other board roles that I currently hold supporting Economic development and advocacy in our region.
Tell us a bit about you:
Family and community are my anchors. I'm a husband and a parent to two beautiful girls and a proud dog owner. Most of my voluntary work is in advancing our regional prosperity with board and committees such as GW3, RDA Greater Whitsunday and Bowen Collinsville enterprise. As a parent there is no such thing as free time, but I try to spend as much time with family as possible including the girls dancing, swimming, travelling and going on family hikes and other adventures in our area.
Here’s your 80-word elevator pitch – what makes you the best candidate for the job?
I am the best candidate for mayor because of my unique blend of current experience, passion, and vision for our community. My diverse business and economic development background and deep involvement in community service have equipped me with the skills, relationships and apathy necessary to lead council effectively. I am committed to advancing a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community, addressing challenges with innovative solutions, and ensuring that the voices of all residents are heard and valued. These are also things I am already doing as a leader for our agricultural industry. Together, with your support we can build a brighter future for the Whitsundays.
Quick Fire Round
Star sign: Aquarius
Favourite colour: Blue
Favourite holiday destination: Too many to note but I like to see new places for the first time
What do you eat for breakfast: Fruit and yoghurt, bacon and eggs on the weekend
What’s the last song you listened to? John Fogerty, Looking Out My Back Door
The best thing you’ve seen this year? Oppenheimer
Fav Quote: 'Well done is better than well said'
Tell Us Something most people don't know about you? I'm a great cook
Describe your personality in three words: Creative, Problem solving, passionate
