Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has unveiled a new generation of Brisbane City councillors that will join him as local representatives from next month to help deliver his vision for a better Brisbane.
Cr Schrinner said he was excited Fiona Cunningham, Tracy Davis and James Mackay would join his team as councillors for their respective wards of Coorparoo, McDowall and Walter Taylor.
The endorsement of Fiona Cunningham and Tracy Davis will bring the total number of women in Cr Schrinner’s team of 18 councillors to nine, with a candidate for Chandler Ward yet to be finalised.
“Coorparoo, McDowall and Walter Taylor wards have had strong representation under the Quirk Administration, however, I’m excited to have Fiona, Tracy and James join my renewed team to help make the Brisbane of tomorrow even better than the Brisbane of today,” he said.
“Fiona, Tracy and James have been strong advocates for their communities for many years and I’m confident they will be able to continue their positive track record as local councillors, with Ian McKenzie, Norm Wyndham and Julian Simmonds stepping down as local councillors.
“Representing local residents as a councillor for Australia’s largest local government is an incredible honour and I look forward to working with each of them to build the infrastructure their suburbs need while protecting our unique lifestyle, local green space and parks.”
Fiona Cunningham said she had always had a hands on approach when it came to making her local community a better place to live, work and relax.
“I was raised to stand up for what I believe in and, as a life-long Brisbane resident and new mother, I want to make a difference in Coorparoo Ward to make sure my son grows up to be proud of the suburb and city he lives in,” Mrs Cunningham said.
Tracy Davis said politics at all levels started at the grass roots and she looked forward to joining Lord Mayor Schrinner’s team to make a difference in her local community.
“At the end of the day, being a councillor is all about making a difference in the lives of local residents and I’m excited to be joining a renewed Council team to continue Cr Wyndham’s efforts to build better infrastructure and protect local green space,” Mrs Davis said.
James Mackay said he was a life-long resident of Brisbane’s western suburbs and had always been a passionate advocate for the local community.
“Julian Simmonds has been a strong representative for his community and I have worked closely alongside him for many years, which included leading the charge against the University of Queensland’s expansion plans into residential parts of St Lucia,” Mr Mackay said.
“I look forward to working with our new Lord Mayor to continue my efforts in protecting our local suburbs while making the western suburbs more accessible and connected.”
BIOGRAPHIES:
Coorparoo
Fiona Cunningham was endorsed as the candidate for the Coorparoo Ward by local Liberal National Party members.
Fiona is a life-long resident of Brisbane, completing high school on the south side before obtaining a degree in Communication from Griffith University and commencing work as a journalist. She has also worked in both the public and private sectors in external relations and marketing.
Fiona lives in Greenslopes with her husband and their young son and is an active member of a number of community organisations such as Rotary.
McDowall
Tracy Davis was endorsed as the candidate for McDowall Ward by local Liberal National Party members.
Tracy and her husband John have lived in the local area for more than 20 years where they raised their three children. Tracy is a former State MP, which included serving as Minister of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services.
Prior to being elected to State Parliament, Tracy was a part-owner in a kitchen manufacturing business and understands the importance of small business in the local economy.
Tracy is involved in a number of community organisations and has a strong track record of delivering results locally.
Walter Taylor
James Mackay has been nominated for the vacancy that will be created in Walter Taylor Ward by the resignation of Julian Simmonds, who is seeking election for the Federal Electorate of Ryan.
James is a life-long resident of the Western Suburbs who currently lives in St. Lucia with his wife and daughter. He is an active member and former president of the St. Lucia Community Association and led the charge against the University of Queensland’s expansion plans into residential parts of the suburb.
He has promoted a number of charitable causes and served in a volunteer capacity for a number of local sporting clubs. James served in the army reserves for 17 years and remains a member of the Toowong RSL.
James was educated in Brisbane, attending St. Peters at Indooroopilly prior to completing a degree in Commerce. He is currently operating a small business specialising in digital marketing.