As you look through my website, I hope you will learn something about my life in Kingaroy and my vision for the new Council

The life of a councillor is very busy ... the following photographs and stories are just a small sample of what's been happening!

If you have any questions, suggestions or ideas you would like to raise, please don't hesitate to contact me

Brad Is A Truly Inspirational Australian January 29, 2012 - Australia Day in Kingaroy was a lot of fun ... lamington and pie eating contests, cane toad races and whipcracking. However a highlight for me, and I'm sure for many of the other people in Kingaroy Town Hall, was the address by former Kingaroy and Wondai doctor Brad Butwell. Dr Butwell shared his memories of the South Burnett and of Australia Days past. In total, Dr Butwell spent 40 years in the South Burnett as a medical practitioner. Along the way, he and his wife Anne raised four children and invested a lot of time in community activities. He was a soccer coach and had a playing field at the Kingaroy Airport named after him in recognition for the efforts he made on behalf of junior soccer. Dr Butwell retired in 2008 but sadly, instead of enjoying his well-earned time off, he suffered a stroke and then cancer (which thankfully is now in remission). Throughout all of this, his will remained strong. He is a truly remarkable man and delivered an inspirational message to us all on Australia Day. RIGHT: Anne Butwell and her husband Brad at Kingaroy Town Hall on Australia Day

Toads Hop To It For Charity January 24, 2012 - I'm looking forward to seeing some of the real stars of Australia Day - Kamikaze Keith, Raging Rackemann, Fireworks Frecklington and Feral Cheryl - in action at the Australia Day celebrations in Kingaroy on Thursday. Also ready to hop are Angry Anna, Dust Up David, Croakin’ Kratzie, Come Back Kevin and Jumping Julia. They are all, of course, cane toads who will be vying for the inaugural title at the Kingaroy Cane Toad Races. Money raised from the races will go to a local charity. The cane toad races are just one of the new ideas the Australia Day organising committee has put together. There'll also be a Baby's First Australia Day competition as well as the usual fun of whip cracking, cooee competitions and pie and lamington eating competitions. I really enjoy working on this committee. It's a great feeling to be able to help put together something which is so much fun. RIGHT: Cr Keith Campbell and Cr Damien Tessmann are ready for the Australia Day Toad Races [Photo courtesy Clive Lowe Photography]

Come Along and Celebrate Australia Day ... January 26!

Stop By and Have A Chat January 5, 2012 - If you're worried about something the South Burnett Regional Council is doing - or not doing - or have great ideas to share on local issues such as roads, rates and rubbish ... I'd love to hear from you! On the first Thursday of every month, Cr Damien Tessmann (Division 3) and I share a table at Kingaroy Shoppingworld just outside Big W. If you're walking by, stop and have a chat! This is a friendly and relaxed way to raise issues with us. We love to hear your opinions and thoughts and can direct your queries to the correct section within council. Former Wondai Shire councillor Greg Boyle, (right), took the opportunity to drop by today.

Let's Work Together in 2012! January 1, 2012 - Christmas and New Year should be a time for family. This year was extra special for me as I had the opportunity to spend time with my brothers Ron, Trevor and Gary, (right). I took the trio up to the Booie Bello Vista where they enjoyed the good food and beautiful views from the Booie Range. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my readers a Happy New Year! We all know that the South Burnett is a special place to live. Working together in 2012, let's resolve to make it even better. Let me know your thoughts on what needs to be done to make your part of the South Burnett even better! I promise that I'll listen ...