Former Cairns MP and Current Division 2 Councillor Rob Pyne
Offers his Early Election Predictions
Divison Two Councillor Rob Pyne is arguably the most successful politician in Cairns, very well known throughout the Cairns community having served as the Member for Cairns between 2015-2017.
The Pyne family name is quite well known as Tom Pyne, Rob Pyne's father served as Mayor of Cairns and Mulgrave shire for 30 years.
The Pyne family name is quite well known as Tom Pyne, Rob Pyne's father served as Mayor of Cairns and Mulgrave shire for 30 years.
On Mayoral Candidates
Bob Manning has been the Mayor of Cairns since 2012. Cr. Manning was elected Mayor of Cairns Regional Council in 2012, 2016 and 2020.
He will retire at the 2024 election having been undefeated as Mayor. Terry James (Unity) Terry James is the longest serving current Councillor. He is the Deputy Mayor and the Councillor for Division 4. Cr. James is running to become the Mayor of Cairns at the 2024 elections. He will lead the Cairns Unity team. Amy Eden (Team Eden) Amy Eden will be running for Mayor with her “Your Voice” team. This exciting new team is completing recruitment and Cr. Eden would become Cairns second female Mayor if elected.
Eden fought to ensure residents right to use cash at Council venues and has been referred to as “Our Voice” by frustrated members of the public gallery.
I was initially optimistic about the chances of an Eden led team. However you don’t win Council elections in the year they are held. You have to do the hard work well before that.
Eden is a hard worker, but with only one candidate (Kesa Strieby) announced in her team just 6 months before the election, I think the task may be too great.
If Cairns Unity is the only real team running..
He will retire at the 2024 election having been undefeated as Mayor. Terry James (Unity) Terry James is the longest serving current Councillor. He is the Deputy Mayor and the Councillor for Division 4. Cr. James is running to become the Mayor of Cairns at the 2024 elections. He will lead the Cairns Unity team. Amy Eden (Team Eden) Amy Eden will be running for Mayor with her “Your Voice” team. This exciting new team is completing recruitment and Cr. Eden would become Cairns second female Mayor if elected.
Eden fought to ensure residents right to use cash at Council venues and has been referred to as “Our Voice” by frustrated members of the public gallery.
I was initially optimistic about the chances of an Eden led team. However you don’t win Council elections in the year they are held. You have to do the hard work well before that.
Eden is a hard worker, but with only one candidate (Kesa Strieby) announced in her team just 6 months before the election, I think the task may be too great.
If Cairns Unity is the only real team running..
John Kelly (Common Sense)
John Kelly is running for Mayor of Cairns as the leader of the “Common Sense Team”. The retired grader operator is regularly seen out on the campaign trail around Cairns. So far no Divisional candidates have been announced by Mr. Kelly.
Paul Taylor (Kevin Byrne Team)
Former copper Paul Taylor is heading up a law and order ticket to run for Council. He served with QPS for over 40 years.
It is believed Paul will do well in the March poll, despite the ‘Separation of Powers’ and the fact ‘law and order’ is not in the jurisdiction of local government. On Divisional Candidates Brett Moller (Unity) Brett Moller is the Councillor for Division One. This area includes the towns of Babinda and Gordonvale and the developing suburb of Mount Peter. It also includes the communities of Mirriwinni, East Trinity and Fitzroy Island.
A high performing Councillor, Brett Moller has demonstrated a strong understanding of the Local Government Act and has extensive experience in corporate governance. “He will be re-elected in 2024”. Nikki Guimelli (Unity) Nikki is a passionate leader in the business community and tourism industry in Cairns having owned successful marine tourism businesses and worked across various voluntary roles in her community. Cathy Zeiger (Independent) Cathy Zieger is the Councillor for Division 3. This division includes Mount Sheridan, White Rock and Woree. “Cr. Zeiger will be re-elected to Division 3”. Steve Lippingwell Stephen Lippingwell is a local school teacher who is passionate about increasing the engagement of all cultural groups in education, especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait and Pacific Islander students. He understands that different culturally appropriate educational approaches are essential to engage all students in education. John Schilling (Independent) We have had issues with John over his Conservative politics, but he has shown he can win. However, without a Mayoral candidate and team behind him, winning again would be hard work indeed. Having your name on a Mayoral ‘how-to-vote-card’ can provide a big boost in local government elections. Kesa Strieby (Team Eden) A tireless community worker, Kesa is running under the slogan, “Renewal, Rebuild, Reform!” Kesa is focussed on three things – Work hard, Action, Outcomes! At a personal level we love Kesa and her commitment to a multicultural Cairns. However, we are unsure as to the policy agenda she brings to the election and what she seeks to fix or change as a Councillor. Matthew Tickner Managing Director of Progression Design & Development Matthew is well-regarded civil design and urban development specialist with a history of experience on urban development and civil engineering projects in Australia and New Zealand. Matthew shows initiative and if he was on the Cairns Unity ticket, he would be the clear favourite.
“Nikki Giumelli may win on the back of the Unity vote. However, if Streiby and Lippingwell work together and exchange preferences, they may both be a chance”.
It is believed Paul will do well in the March poll, despite the ‘Separation of Powers’ and the fact ‘law and order’ is not in the jurisdiction of local government. On Divisional Candidates Brett Moller (Unity) Brett Moller is the Councillor for Division One. This area includes the towns of Babinda and Gordonvale and the developing suburb of Mount Peter. It also includes the communities of Mirriwinni, East Trinity and Fitzroy Island.
A high performing Councillor, Brett Moller has demonstrated a strong understanding of the Local Government Act and has extensive experience in corporate governance. “He will be re-elected in 2024”. Nikki Guimelli (Unity) Nikki is a passionate leader in the business community and tourism industry in Cairns having owned successful marine tourism businesses and worked across various voluntary roles in her community. Cathy Zeiger (Independent) Cathy Zieger is the Councillor for Division 3. This division includes Mount Sheridan, White Rock and Woree. “Cr. Zeiger will be re-elected to Division 3”. Steve Lippingwell Stephen Lippingwell is a local school teacher who is passionate about increasing the engagement of all cultural groups in education, especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait and Pacific Islander students. He understands that different culturally appropriate educational approaches are essential to engage all students in education. John Schilling (Independent) We have had issues with John over his Conservative politics, but he has shown he can win. However, without a Mayoral candidate and team behind him, winning again would be hard work indeed. Having your name on a Mayoral ‘how-to-vote-card’ can provide a big boost in local government elections. Kesa Strieby (Team Eden) A tireless community worker, Kesa is running under the slogan, “Renewal, Rebuild, Reform!” Kesa is focussed on three things – Work hard, Action, Outcomes! At a personal level we love Kesa and her commitment to a multicultural Cairns. However, we are unsure as to the policy agenda she brings to the election and what she seeks to fix or change as a Councillor. Matthew Tickner Managing Director of Progression Design & Development Matthew is well-regarded civil design and urban development specialist with a history of experience on urban development and civil engineering projects in Australia and New Zealand. Matthew shows initiative and if he was on the Cairns Unity ticket, he would be the clear favourite.
“Nikki Giumelli may win on the back of the Unity vote. However, if Streiby and Lippingwell work together and exchange preferences, they may both be a chance”.
Heidi Healy (Unity)
The owner of Cairns Beauty Bar, Heidi Healy is certainly the most photogenic member of the Unity Team.
“Her energy and enthusiasm may see her elected in Division 3, but not in 2024”.
A solid performance in 2024 may position her well for a future run at Council level.Cathy Zeiger has conservative values. Nevertheless she is a hard working Councillor and we feel she will be re-elected, despite an attempt by the Unity Team to unseat her. Nathan Lee Long (Unity) Nathan will draw strong support from the development industry and the wider business community. His work for the Cairns and District Chinese Association (CADCAI) also places him in a strong position to win Division 5.
I believe Nathan’s personality and membership of the disciplined Unity Team will see him top the primary vote. Nevertheless, the outcome will be close and should a third candidate nominate’ the outcome may be determined by the distribution of preferences. Jeremy Neal (Unity) I don’t know much about Jeremy, but being on the Unity card should get him 40per cent of the vote. The remaining 10per cent (needed to win) he will have to work for.
“Her energy and enthusiasm may see her elected in Division 3, but not in 2024”.
A solid performance in 2024 may position her well for a future run at Council level.Cathy Zeiger has conservative values. Nevertheless she is a hard working Councillor and we feel she will be re-elected, despite an attempt by the Unity Team to unseat her. Nathan Lee Long (Unity) Nathan will draw strong support from the development industry and the wider business community. His work for the Cairns and District Chinese Association (CADCAI) also places him in a strong position to win Division 5.
I believe Nathan’s personality and membership of the disciplined Unity Team will see him top the primary vote. Nevertheless, the outcome will be close and should a third candidate nominate’ the outcome may be determined by the distribution of preferences. Jeremy Neal (Unity) I don’t know much about Jeremy, but being on the Unity card should get him 40per cent of the vote. The remaining 10per cent (needed to win) he will have to work for.
Shane Cuthbert (Independent)
Shane Cuthbert will be running for Division 4 at the March 2024 elections. He is a business owner and board member/volunteer working with so many of our beloved charitable organisations, recently nominated as Cairns ‘volunteer of the year’.
Shane Cuthbert is well placed to win election to Council in 2024. He believes in a ‘safer, greater’ Cairns and that he is the right person for the job.
“Shane is aware of local issues (having attended most local council meetings over the last 2 years). The enthusiasm he has shown and his capacity to listen makes him a good chance of winning division 4”. Rob Pyne (Independent) My 10 years experience as a Councillor and 3 years as the local State MP will be of value on our next Council. With the Mayor and at least one of our most experienced Councillors not running again, I feel my experience will be useful.
It has long frustrated me that so many houses in Division 5 do not have a proper footpath or channel and curbing. These houses have been paying Council rates for decades and in some cases over 100 years! They are entitled to a higher level of service.
Division 5 is a cornerstone of my life and family history. James Pyne arrived here in the 1870’s and my grandfather was born in Kenny Street. So I reckon I qualify as a local and I will make a good fist of campaigning in Division 5. Matthew Calanna (Unity) Max O’Halloran is the Councillor for Division Seven. After over a decade of service Max will be stepping down at the next local government election. Division 7 includes Edge Hill and Whitfield, as well as parts of Manoora and Manunda.
Son of former Cairns businessman and local identity Mario Calanna, Matthew is a pharmacist and business owner in his own right. Renee Lees (Independent) Renee is a community lawyer, active volunteer and mum. She has lived in Manoora, Manunda & Edge Hill for the past 16 years. Renee is committed to building a smart, fair, sustainable and lively community. Her key priorities are housing, public transport, healthy nature, and safe and strong community.
Renee really walks the talk. In her work she provides free legal help to locals dealing with debt, eviction, family troubles and domestic violence. She previously set up and managed a local homeless legal service for 6 years. She has been the volunteer president of a major local homelessness and domestic violence service for the past 4 years.
If elected, she would give residents more control through monthly Division 7 meetings, a local newsletter, online community polls, and measures to get vested interests out of politics.
“Matthew Calanna would poll higher in Division 4 where the Calanna name is iconic. However in Division 7 his name is still well known. He has been prepared to align with others in a professional team. A capable candidate who will listen and run under ‘shared branding’ Matthew is assured of victory”.
“I support Renee, but she has not aligned with others, leaving her out on her own and (as I well know) being on your own makes winning really, really, hard!”.
Shane Cuthbert is well placed to win election to Council in 2024. He believes in a ‘safer, greater’ Cairns and that he is the right person for the job.
“Shane is aware of local issues (having attended most local council meetings over the last 2 years). The enthusiasm he has shown and his capacity to listen makes him a good chance of winning division 4”. Rob Pyne (Independent) My 10 years experience as a Councillor and 3 years as the local State MP will be of value on our next Council. With the Mayor and at least one of our most experienced Councillors not running again, I feel my experience will be useful.
It has long frustrated me that so many houses in Division 5 do not have a proper footpath or channel and curbing. These houses have been paying Council rates for decades and in some cases over 100 years! They are entitled to a higher level of service.
Division 5 is a cornerstone of my life and family history. James Pyne arrived here in the 1870’s and my grandfather was born in Kenny Street. So I reckon I qualify as a local and I will make a good fist of campaigning in Division 5. Matthew Calanna (Unity) Max O’Halloran is the Councillor for Division Seven. After over a decade of service Max will be stepping down at the next local government election. Division 7 includes Edge Hill and Whitfield, as well as parts of Manoora and Manunda.
Son of former Cairns businessman and local identity Mario Calanna, Matthew is a pharmacist and business owner in his own right. Renee Lees (Independent) Renee is a community lawyer, active volunteer and mum. She has lived in Manoora, Manunda & Edge Hill for the past 16 years. Renee is committed to building a smart, fair, sustainable and lively community. Her key priorities are housing, public transport, healthy nature, and safe and strong community.
Renee really walks the talk. In her work she provides free legal help to locals dealing with debt, eviction, family troubles and domestic violence. She previously set up and managed a local homeless legal service for 6 years. She has been the volunteer president of a major local homelessness and domestic violence service for the past 4 years.
If elected, she would give residents more control through monthly Division 7 meetings, a local newsletter, online community polls, and measures to get vested interests out of politics.
“Matthew Calanna would poll higher in Division 4 where the Calanna name is iconic. However in Division 7 his name is still well known. He has been prepared to align with others in a professional team. A capable candidate who will listen and run under ‘shared branding’ Matthew is assured of victory”.
“I support Renee, but she has not aligned with others, leaving her out on her own and (as I well know) being on your own makes winning really, really, hard!”.
Pat O'Shane (Independent)
Patricia June O’Shane AM is a retired Australian teacher, barrister, public servant, jurist, and Aboriginal activist. She was Australia’s first Aboriginal magistrate.
The O’Shane family have lived in Holloways Beach for decades and is well known and respected. Pat would make an outstanding Councillor. Rhonda Coghlan (Unity) The well known Rhonda Coghlan (Cairns Unity) is the Councillor for Division 8. Paul Matthews (Independent) Community stalwart and defender of built heritage and the environment Paul Matthews is running for Division 6. A much respected person in the area, Matthews is sure to poll well. Brett Olds (Independent) Brett Olds is the forthright Councillor for Division 9. Division 9 includes the suburbs of Trinity Beach, Clifton Beach, Kewarra Beach, Palm Cove and Ellis Beach.
Cr. Olds has been outspoken on many issues and is a strong critic of the Palaszczuk State government. Indeed Brett is not afraid to call a spade a shovel. He has developed a cult following, not just in the northern beaches, but also throughout the wider Cairns region.
We don’t support Brett Olds, but we know one thing, ‘unlike his critics, he will nominate and campaign to win‘. Consequently, he will win (Council elections are not rocket science).
The O’Shane family have lived in Holloways Beach for decades and is well known and respected. Pat would make an outstanding Councillor. Rhonda Coghlan (Unity) The well known Rhonda Coghlan (Cairns Unity) is the Councillor for Division 8. Paul Matthews (Independent) Community stalwart and defender of built heritage and the environment Paul Matthews is running for Division 6. A much respected person in the area, Matthews is sure to poll well. Brett Olds (Independent) Brett Olds is the forthright Councillor for Division 9. Division 9 includes the suburbs of Trinity Beach, Clifton Beach, Kewarra Beach, Palm Cove and Ellis Beach.
Cr. Olds has been outspoken on many issues and is a strong critic of the Palaszczuk State government. Indeed Brett is not afraid to call a spade a shovel. He has developed a cult following, not just in the northern beaches, but also throughout the wider Cairns region.
We don’t support Brett Olds, but we know one thing, ‘unlike his critics, he will nominate and campaign to win‘. Consequently, he will win (Council elections are not rocket science).
