Meet your Councillors
Mayor Les Hotz
Cr Les Hotz was declared Mayor of North Burnett Regional Council on Friday, 5 April 2024.
Mayor, Les Hotz was raised in Monto, a place where he and his wife Valma chose to raise their four adult children and a place where he still chooses to fondly call home. Beginning a career in local government in 1967, Cr Hotz has undertaken many roles from payroll and accounting right through to senior management.
During his employment in Local Government, Cr Hotz endeavoured to serve the North Burnett community through an open and transparent process, a process which he is committed to continuing during his term as Mayor.
Like any business, it is important that North Burnett Regional Council is meeting the needs of the community whilst operating sustainably. During his term in Council, Cr Hotz has significant priorities which include:
- Supporting local businesses, industry, community and sporting groups across the region to ensure that goods and services are available to Council and community.
- Providing policy that ensures that services for the community, businesses, industry and tourism is maintained.
- Encourage communication and collaboration with State and Federal Governments and continue to lobby for funds to upgrade Main Roads within the region.
- Advocate for all weather access to the regions natural wonders like Cania Gorge, Wuruma Dam and the Kalpowar and Comminglah forests.
Cr Hotz welcomes the input from the public and ratepayers which may include complaints and ideas that will improve and benefit the North Burnett.
As a born again Christian, Cr Hotz has a Christian faith which guides him in his role as an elected representative for his community.
Phone: 0458 696 272
Email me: Cr.Les.Hotz@northburnett.qld.gov.au
Division 1: Cr Melinda Jones
As a dedicated representative for Division 1, Councillor Melinda Jones was drawn to the region almost two decades ago, seeking a nurturing environment for her young family to flourish. She cherishes the community spirit, warmth, and support that make the region truly special, describing it as a “magical place to live.”
With a diverse career spanning nearly three decades, Cr Jones has woven a rich tapestry of experiences across private, corporate, and government sectors. Her expertise encompasses Community & Economic Development, Tourism, Hospitality, Philanthropy, Disability Support, and Disaster Management. Recently, she augmented her practical experience with a Master of Business Administration (MBA), complementing her Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Business Administration.
Cr Jones’s unwavering commitment to community empowerment is evident through her involvement in numerous nonprofit organizations. Currently, she holds positions in key groups such as the Monto Magic Tourism Action Group, BIEDO, and RADF. She firmly believes in empowering individuals to have a voice in decisions that impact their community.
In her second term, Cr Jones is dedicated to advancing the sustainability of the Council, supporting the Community Engagement Framework, and navigating the evolving landscape of local government and legislation to benefit the region she serves.
Phone: 0477 726 785
Email me: Cr.Melinda.Jones@northburnett.qld.gov.au
Division 2: Cr Trina Vaughan
Councillor Trina Vaughan is a newcomer to local government representing Division 2, the Beef Capital of the North Burnett region. Councillor Vaughan’s career has been deeply rooted in various parts of the agricultural industry from running a rural contracting business to working on research stations and in training colleges. Alongside her husband, she calls their rural property in Eidsvold home, cherishing the tranquil lifestyle it offers.
Beyond the picturesque farming landscapes of the region, it’s the genuine warmth and hospitality of its people that captivates Councillor Vaughan. Over a decade ago, this welcoming spirit gave her the confidence to settle within their inviting community, a decision Councillor Vaughan has never regretted.
Councillor Vaughan’s commitment to community spirit is evident through her roles as the secretary of the Burnett Barrel Racing Association and a devoted supporter of the annual Burnett Christmas Pop Up Shop.
In her inaugural term, Councillor Vaughan aims to strengthen the bond between the North Burnett Regional Council, its residents, and ratepayers. She advocates for inclusive governance, inviting stakeholders from all corners of the region to participate actively.
Phone: 0477 761 506
Division 3: Cr Susan Payne
Councillor (Division 3)
Although originally from Brisbane, you might easily mistake Councillor Payne for a lifelong resident of the North Burnett. For nearly 40 years, she has immersed herself in the fabric of the region, living, working, playing, volunteering, and raising her family in Monogorilby and Mundubbera, proudly calling them home.
With a background in business and finance, Cr Payne is driven by the vision of a financially sustainable Council. Her unique perspective allows her to identify opportunities for positive change, a strength she brings to her role as Division 3 Councillor.
Having held executive positions in numerous community groups, Cr Payne is deeply committed to community development. She currently serves as the Chair of North Burnett Community Service Inc.
When asked about her favourite aspects of the North Burnett, Cr Payne is quick to highlight the warm hospitality and openness of its people. As a primary producer, she appreciates the diversity of fresh produce cultivated in the region’s varied natural landscape.
Cr Payne’s interests extend to governance, strategy, financial sustainability, and regional focus, as evidenced by her involvement as a Local Authority Waste Management Action Committee representative and her passion for water and waste management. Cr Payne draws energy from witnessing community involvement, empowerment, individual growth, and regional prosperity.
Phone: 0488 050 251
Email me: Cr.Sue.Payne@northburnett.qld.gov.au
Division 4: Cr Renee McGilvery
Councillor Renee McGilvery, a dedicated community advocate with deep roots in Gayndah, has always been passionate about local government and community engagement.
Starting her career with the Gayndah Shire Council as a Business Administration trainee before embarking on various local career opportunities, have instilled in Councillor McGilvery a profound understanding of her community and its needs.
Councillor McGilvery’s goals include improving communication channels and advocating for vital infrastructure such as roads and footpaths.
When she’s not busy with community initiatives, including promoting local farming and food production, Councillor McGilvery finds solace in her vegetable garden, where she enjoys the outdoors and the stunning views it offers.
Phone: 0477 422 288
Division 5: Cr Michael Dingle
Councillor (Division 5)
An avid axeman and grazier, Cr Michael (Mick) Dingle established his career in Local Government in 1979, setting off on a career path that has focused on improving the road network of the North Burnett region. After many years in the civil works team of Council, Cr Dingle took the leap to represent his community at the boardroom table.
Being raised in Mount Perry, Cr Dingle brings an extensive amount of both local and practical knowledge to the boardroom.
Although known to be most comfortable behind the wheel of a machine, swinging an axe or mustering a paddock, Cr Dingle is a connector of ideas, networks and people. His focus for the next 4 years is to be part of a team that makes substantial change to the sustainability of the North Burnett Regional Council.
Phone: 0477 565 422
Email me: Cr.Michael.Dingle@northburnett.qld.gov.au
Division 6: Cr Moira Thompson
Cr Thompson, currently in her first term, has long been a champion for her community, collaborating with the Council on impactful projects such as the Biggenden Wall of Fame and Pioneer Walk at Beier’s Park. Her dedication to community welfare traces back to her extensive career in regional Queensland, spanning nursing, aged care, and school chaplaincy. This commitment extends to her numerous volunteer roles with organizations like the PCYC Emergency Services Cadets, Chamber of Commerce, Historical and Show Societies, and St Peter’s Catholic Church.
Introduced to the region in 1967 by her family, Cr Thompson’s upbringing immersed her in the wonders of outdoor photography and bush walking exploration. Her genuine concern for community well-being is evident in her desire to understand people’s needs and ensure their voices are heard.
Over the next four years, Cr Thompson aims to empower North Burnett ratepayers to actively engage in local government affairs while advocating for improved accessibility and safety measures. Outside of her civic duties, she finds joy in bushwalking and sharing adventures, particularly with young people, in the serene and picturesque surroundings she calls home.
Phone: 0458 625 950
Email me: Cr.Moira.Thompson@northburnett.qld.gov.au