CR MELISSA WESTCOTT
Melissa Westcott’s narrative embodies the ethos of industriousness and community involvement before being elected as Division 3 Councillor in 2024.
Nurtured within a lineage of small business proprietors, Cr Westcott gained a steadfast work ethic and an ardour for entrepreneurial ventures from an early age.
Venturing into Moranbah over two decades ago as a fledgling educator fresh from university, Cr Westcott found not just a new abode but a canvas for her enterprising spirit.
Moranbah became the nurturing ground for businesses. For the past 15 years, she has spearheaded ventures such as Big On Shoes, Moranbah Blooms, and Fox and Frank, each a testament to her acumen in leadership, strategic foresight, and community engagement.
Since then, her portfolio has diversified to encompass TM3 Training Solutions, Moranbah Blooms and Events, and the burgeoning tech startup, Florist IQ, poised to revolutionise the floral industry.
A stalwart advocate for community welfare and business, Cr Westcott assumes pivotal roles as Director of C-Res, National Chair of the Local Buying Foundation, Founding Chair of the Childcare Leadership Alliance, Chair of the Isaac Country Universities Centre, and Chair of Isaac Affordable Housing Trust.
In an associated alliance with Meta, Cr Westcott lends her expertise to small businesses across regional Australia through the Meta Community Trainer Network.
Additionally, she serves as a board member for Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsunday.
Cr Westcott’s heart beats for the economic vitality of the Isaac region, championing initiatives that foster growth, nurture employment opportunities, and bolster local enterprises.
CR SIMON WEST
With years of experience in hospitality management, the mining sector and through union roles, Cr Simon West is a well-recognised community representative. Cr West was first appointed as Division 4 Councillor in 2019 and was re-elected unopposed in 2020 and 2024.
Elected as an executive member of the Mining and Energy Union (MEU) in 2008, Cr West is currently the President of the Goonyella Riverside MEU.
He has represented MEU members around Moranbah is an elected member both the National and Queensland Board of Managements of the Mining and Energy Union.
With his wife Fiona and son Oliver, Cr West has lived in Moranbah since 2001 and is an active community member and leader.
Cr West is the Chair of Council’s Waste and Water Standing Committee and is a member on Engineering and Infrastructure Standing Committee.
Cr West is a director of the Moranbah Community Scholarship Fund and a founding member and treasurer of the Moranbah Miners’ Memorial Committee, also assisting in multiple fundraising ventures such as the May Day Festival and mental health projects.
Cr West is also on the board of the Mackay Hospital Foundation, Moranbah Early Learning Centre and the Isaac Affordability Housing Trust.
DEPUTY MAYOR JANE PICKELS
Cr Jane Pickels, who relocated to Queensland in 1984, swiftly engaged in community service through committee involvement and volunteering.
She and her husband Greg are parents to four children and grandparents to three.
In her leisure time, she enjoys hiking, adventure travels, and is an avid sports enthusiast, participating in various sports and contributing at an administrative level.
Cr Pickels first represented Division 7 in 2012 and was re-elected unopposed in both 2016 and 2020. In the 2024 Local Government Elections, she was elected to represent Division 6 after moving from Middlemount to Clermont and was appointed as Deputy Mayor.
Before her political career, Cr Pickels accumulated eight years of customer service experience with Isaac Regional Council and the former Broadsound Shire.
In addition to her Council duties, Cr Pickels serves as Chair of Isaac Regional Council Engineering and Infrastructure Standing Committee, and Chair of the Bowen Basin Regional Roads and Transport Group.
She is a Board Member of the North Queensland Sports Foundation and is also a member of the Isaac Audit and Risk Committee, the Arts and Cultural Advisory Group, and the Isaac Museums Working Group.
CR VERN RUSSELL
Vern Russell, a dedicated community member and the newly elected Councillor for Division 2, brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted connection to the region of Isaac. Born in Rockhampton and raised on the outskirts, specifically on a property at Ridgelands, Cr Russell developed a strong affinity for rural living and community values from a young age. Growing up as one of 11 children, Vern learned the importance of cooperation, resilience, and the power of community support. These foundational values have guided her throughout her life and have shaped her vision for the future of Dysart and the wider Isaac region.
Having called Dysart home for the past 35 years, Cr Russell has witnessed the ebb and flow of the local economy and the impact it has had on the community. In September of this year, Vern celebrates 17 years of owning and operating her own catering business, a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to serving the needs of the community. Cr Russell’s decision to enter local politics stems from her desire to see Dysart thrive once again, reminiscent of the vibrant community it was when she first moved there. She envisions a future where the community spirit is reignited, not only within Dysart but across the entire Isaac region.
Cr Russell is committed to working tirelessly to foster economic growth, support local businesses, and create opportunities for residents to actively participate in shaping the future of their community. In addition to her role as Councillor, she serves on the board of the Isaac Affordable Housing Trust (IAHT) and is a member of both standing committees for Corporate Governance and Financial Services and Engineering and Infrastructure.
