Get To Know The Mayoral Candidates

Al Grundy

A strategic thinker who is at the forefront of finding solutions and considering the big picture to create best possible outcomes, Al Grundy has carved out a reputation for his fair, honest and impartial attitude to business.

Stemming from the tourism industry, Grundy owned Whitsunday Sailing Company and for around 10 years, travelled internationally promoting the business and writing contracts.

In 2006 he was appointed to the board of Tourism Whitsundays and in 2016 appointed as Chairman where he advocated to all levels of government, securing additional funding for the area and achieving positive legislative change.

Originally from NSW and Victoria, Grundy has been living in the Whitsundays since 1997.

He has been married for 20 years and has two children at high school.

In his spare time he is an NRL Junior League Coach and likes to volunteer at the club, preparing fields and assisting around the grounds.

When time allows, he also likes to catch up with friends and occasionally goes boating.

Quick Quiz:

Describe your leadership style in three words: Participative, strategic, honest

Childhood nickname: Reg

What do you eat for brekky: Coffee

Starsign: Capricorn

Fav movie star: Adam Sandler

Fav Colour: Blue

Fav quote: “Dream big”

Mike Brunker

In 1997 Mike Brunker became the youngest Mayor elected in Queensland holding this position in Bowen and subsequently becoming the first Mayor of the amalgamated Whitsunday region, a position he held until 2012.

Born in Collinsville, Brunker lived there for 30 years, elected as Councillor in 1994. Now residing in Bowen with his wife, the couple support Bowen and Collinsville Pet Rescue with adoption of dogs who need a forever home.

A keen golfer, he has just taken up golfing after a five-year sabbatical, and now likes to play at least once a week.

In 2012, Brunker was defeated and stepped out of the public eye until he was re-elected to Councillor of Division 6 (Bowen) in 2016 and is currently Acting Mayor, stepping up from Deputy Mayor when Andrew Willcox became the new Federal Member for Dawson.

Quick Quiz

Describe your leadership style in three words: I lead from the front

Childhood nickname: Moscow

What you eat for brekky: Cereal or Avo toast

Starsign: Aries

Fav Colour: Yellow

Fav Music: Disco

Fav Movie Star: Morgan Freeman

Fav Quote:

“You always get what you always got if you always do what you’ve always done”

Jan Clifford

A proud advocate for our region, Jan Clifford has been a Councillor since 2008 and has never missed a Council meeting.

Originally from Melbourne, Clifford was educated in WA and moved back to Melbourne before finding her forever home here in the Whitsundays.

With an impressive career that spans sales and marketing, retail fashion, manufacturing and fleet car sales, Clifford understands how to work with people from all spectrums of life.

Starting her own business and winning an AFTA for marketing, Clifford decided to give her full attention to the residents and ratepayers when elected.

She now lives with one of her brothers and their two rescued fur kids Dexter and Morgan.  

A keen scuba diver when possible, she also loves spending time with friends, reading or watching a movie.

Sitting on numerous boards Clifford is an active player in the community.

Quick Quiz:

Describe your leadership style in three words: Inclusive, committed, compassionate

Childhood nickname: JannyLou or Jelly Bean

What you eat for brekky: Usually just coffee but I do indulge in the odd McMuffin

Starsign: Libra

Fav Movie: ET and most of the Star Trek movies

Fav Colour: Pink

Fav Quote: “There is a special place in hell for women who don’t support other women”

Julie Hall

A respected businesswoman and well-known face in the community, Julie Hall is a self-confessed workaholic who relishes a challenge, putting her hat in the ring as One Nation candidate for Dawson in the recent election.

Motivated by her recent experience she decided to run for Mayor so she can bring new life and new initiatives to old ways, especially those that are not serving the community.

Originally from country South Australia, Hall has been a Queenslander for 17 years and says her family is the reason she reaches for the stars.

With three adult children and three grandchildren, she now lives with her fur baby, Faith, and loves hanging out with family and friends.

From sales and marketing to building and construction, education, and training – Hall has a wealth of experience that brings both understanding and versatility to her skillset.

“I am a quick learner who sees challenges as opportunities, and I have great skills in a dealing with pressurised environments.”

Quick Quiz:

Describe your leadership style in three words: Democratic, directive, supportive

Childhood nickname: Juju

What you eat for brekky: Green Smoothie

Starsign: Gemini

Fav Movie: The Sapphires

Fav Colour: Pink

Fav Quote: “It always seems impossible until it is done!” Author unknown

Peter Hood

An accountant by profession and an avid supporter of key issues such as forensic audit investigations into corporate wastage and mismanagement of working assets and infrastructures, Peter is passionate about doing the right thing for the local communities.

A Principal of his Whitsundays Accounting Practice for 27 years, Peter has been dealing with matters involving local, state and commonwealth governments throughout his 43 year career.

Originally from the Central Coast of NSW, in his spare time Peter likes to go camping, ride-on lawn mower racing and can often be found observing goings-on the Bowen Races.

Peter was a Director of Whitsundays International Airport Corporation Pty Ltd until March 2022. Peter also liaised extensively with Sunwater QLD to see the Lake Proserpine Recreational Project secured.

“This is a project particularly supported by the Residents of Bowen, Collinsville & Airlie,” he said.

“I continue to push on matters for opening-up the Road from Lake Proserpine to Collinsville secured via Farmer Support.”

Quick Quiz:

Describe your leadership style in three words: Communities Come First

Childhood nickname: Puddly

What do you eat for brekky: Muesli

Starsign: Libra

Fav Movie: Casablanca

Fav Colour: Green

Fav Quote: “Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose” (Yoda – Star Wars)

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