The Mackay community witnessed a significant moment last week as the newly elected Mackay Regional Council was officially sworn in at a ceremony held at the 500 Pavilion, Mackay Showgrounds. The council's inauguration marked the beginning of a new chapter in the region's governance.
Amidst a gathering of local officials and community members, Mayor Williamson, alongside 10 councillors, solemnly took the oath of office administered by council’s CEO Scott Owen. Among the returning councillors were familiar faces such as Martin Bella, Belinda Hassan, Alison Jones, and Karen May, while newcomers George Christensen, Namarca Corowa, Ash-Lee Johnson, Nathenea MacRae, Heath Paton, and Peter Sheedy joined the council ranks.
This historic moment resonated deeply as Namarca Corowa became the first councillor of First Nations descent to be elected to the Mackay Regional Council, marking a significant milestone in the council's diverse representation.
Addressing the gathered audience, Mayor Williamson articulated his vision for the council's term ahead, stating, "We will, as one council, deliver the good governance for our community that the act requires us to do. We will passionately advocate for the reason that we are elected to serve. And we commit as one council to represent the aspirations and issues in our community and we will do that through robust discussions.
“The next four years is going to be very exciting and I am honoured and humbled to be Mayor of Mackay Regional Council with such a diverse team, I think this is going to be a fantastic term."
With Mayor Williamson's words echoing a sense of unity, purpose, and commitment to community representation, the newly sworn-in Mackay Regional Council embarks on its journey to serve and shape the region's future for the next four years.
L-R: Cr Karen May, Cr Martin Bella, Cr Peter Sheedy, Cr Belinda Hassan, Cr Ash-Lee Johnson, Mayor Greg Williamson, Cr George Christensen, CEO Scott Owen, Cr Namarca Corowa, Cr Alison Jones, Cr Heath Paton, Cr Nathenea MacRae. Photo credit: Amanda Wright
