First-term councillor Heath Paton is used to shaping many Mackay hairstyles.
Now he’s excited to be playing a part in helping shape the direction of the Mackay region and its future.
Cr Paton, elected at the 2024 local government elections, has owned his own barber store for 12 years and that profession has helped hone his communication skills.
The barber shop can be a sanctuary for the community, particularly men, to open up and talk.
Cr Paton, a father of two, has done a lot of outreach work to promote men’s mental health.
He has also been passionate about sport as a football (soccer) player and coach.
Cr Paton is co-chair of council’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategic Advisory Committee.
He describes himself as a creative person and wants to focus on building a stronger community presence. He wants to hear from the community.
Cr Paton believes Mackay is a blank slate with a clear canvas from which the region can build and improve.