Who Will Lead Next?

Mackay’s By-Election Candidates Unveiled

On Thursday, 24 July, at the 500 Pavilion, the Mackay community learned that nine candidates will contest the upcoming Mackay Regional Council by-election, set for Saturday, 30 August 2025. This election follows the resignation of former councillor George Christensen on 30 May, with over 90,000 residents expected to participate via a full postal ballot announced by the Electoral Commission of Queensland.

The candidates, consisting of Melissa Milton, Greg Fisher, Andrew Deguara, Ian Christensen, Kimberley Doyle, Anne Baker, Dion Loader, Melanie Laas, and Jeffery Keioskie, bring a diverse and compelling mix of experience and priorities that could shape Mackay’s future. With backgrounds spanning local government service, business ownership, farming, volunteerism, and media production, these contenders reflect a community deeply invested in practical governance and regional progress.

Some candidates draw on long-term council experience and a focus on improving communication with rural residents, aiming to make council projects more transparent and inclusive beyond Mackay’s urban centre. Others highlight their commitment to infrastructure essentials such as road maintenance, park upkeep, and waste management services, recognising these as the foundation for a thriving and functional community.

Will Mackay’s next councillor be the one who champions balance between growth and sustainability, urban and rural needs, tradition and innovation?

Several candidates have underscored the importance of supporting key local industries, notably sugar cane farming, which remains vital to the region’s economy. Advocacy for fair council rates and stronger partnerships with state and federal governments also feature prominently, signalling a desire to maximise funding opportunities and ensure the region’s interests are well represented at higher levels.

Beyond the technical and strategic, the candidates show a strong connection to community life, pledging to energise local events, boost tourism, and foster a shared sense of pride and belonging. Leadership styles vary from pragmatic “no-nonsense” solutions to people-first, inclusive approaches that emphasise respect and professionalism.

Together, this field of candidates offers Mackay residents a chance to choose a leader who not only understands the complexities of regional governance but also shares a vision for vibrant community engagement and sustainable development. As the election approaches, voters will weigh who can best guide Mackay through its next chapter, blending experience, innovation, and heart to serve the region’s diverse needs.

The nine confirmed candidates, listed in ballot paper order, are:

• Melissa Milton
• Greg Fisher
• Andrew Deguara
• Ian Christiansen
• Kimberley Doyle
• Anne Baker
• Dion Loader
• Melanie Laas
• Jeffery Keioskie

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Nine candidates will contest the Mackay Regional Council by-election on Saturday, 30 August 2025, following the resignation of former councillor George Christensen, with a full postal vote set to decide who will represent the region’s diverse and evolving needs. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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