Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
One of the realities I’ve found in leadership is that every decision carries weight. When decisions affect a whole community, there will always be different views, expectations and outcomes, not just the ones people may assume I represent.
As a councillor, I represent all parts of our community. Some people will agree with decisions, others will not. That is the nature of public responsibility. That is the reality of democracy.
Some people may also assume that because you are elected by the people, you must choose a side. But local government isn’t about sides. It’s about everyone. I was elected by many different people across our community, and that responsibility requires considering the broader picture.
For me, the most important element in decision-making is perspective – accurate perspective.
In today’s environment, opinions move quickly and certain voices can become very loud. Those voices matter, but leadership requires looking beyond the immediate noise to understand the full picture. It means taking a step back to see the bigger picture. It means listening to community members, local businesses, families and organisations who live with the outcomes of decisions every day.
At the same time, decisions must also consider long-term responsibilities, budgets, sustainability of services and the future needs of our region. Sometimes these realities collide, and those are the moments when leadership is tested most.
If you ever find yourself wondering what issues are being discussed, or how decisions are being considered, I encourage you to come along to one of council’s “Let’s Chat” sessions. These conversations are an opportunity to share perspectives, raise concerns and help ensure the voices shaping our community decisions are as broad and informed as possible.
Because good decisions begin with good perspective, and the best perspective often come from the community itself.
Let’s Chat – Council Connect
Residents can catch up with councillors in person at upcoming Let’s Chat - Council Connect sessions held across the region. The next session will be held at Bob Wood Cultural Hall in Sarina at 5pm on Tuesday, April 7.
Further details can be found on the Connecting Mackay website.
By Cr Namarca Corowa
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