 | Mayor Greg Williamson - Mayor of Mackay Regional CouncilPhone: 4961 9455
Email: greg.williamson@mackay.qld.gov.au Mayor Greg Williamson has an undeniable enthusiasm for the region he’s always called home. Whether it be inspiring local sporting teams at their season launch or telling anyone who will listen that Mackay is the best place in the world to live, he speaks with unbridled passion when it comes to this region.
A fifth generation local, Mayor Williamson was elected for his third consecutive term as mayor at the 2024 local government elections.
He returned to the mayoralty in 2016 and again served as mayor from 2020 to 2024.
He had also previously been mayor of the then Mackay City Council from 1991 to 1994 before amalgamation with the former Pioneer Shire Council.
Following that first stint in the top job in the early 90s, he gained vast management experience in large businesses and brought that skillset back to the mayoralty.
Mayor Williamson has a long history of service to the community, ranging from Rotary to the then Small Business Association and Mackay Tourism and more than 35 years of service with the Australian Air Force Cadets.
He has also been at the helm of the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) as chair during Cyclone Debbie in 2017, the bushfires in 2018 and the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020. Register of interests |
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 | Deputy Mayor Belinda HassanPhone: 0412 421 451
Email: cr.belinda.hassan@mackay.qld.gov.au Deputy Mayor Belinda Hassan is serving her second term on Mackay Regional Council.
She is a fifth-generation Mackay region local with a proven passion for supporting the community through both her professional work and volunteer efforts.
Cr Hassan is chair of council’s Economic Development and Growth Strategic Advisory Committee, which is focussed on diversification of the regional economy, facilitating development and innovation, promoting investment opportunities, support for and growth in existing industries and tourism and events attraction.
She is a councillor representative on the Mackay Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) and Mackay Local Disaster Recovery Group.
Cr Hassan is also a councillor representative for Mackay Tourism Limited, Regional Development Australia (RDA) Greater Whitsunday and the Mayor’s Domestic Violence Taskforce.
The former manager of Mackay Funerals and Sarina Funerals is committed to several community organisations, including the Zonta Club of Mackay, the Domestic Violence Resource Service / Mackay Women's Centre, and Samaritan House Women's Domestic Violence Shelter. Cr Hassan is a past-President and current Secretary/Treasurer of the Sarina Lions Club, past-President of the Rotary Club of Mackay Sunrise, Secretary of the Rotary Club of Mackay Corporate, Secretary of the Pine Islet Lighthouse Preservation Committee and volunteer member of CrimeStoppers Mackay. A top priority for Cr Hassan is for all residents to have access to activities and events that promote a healthy and active lifestyle, by providing equitable access and encouraging sporting, recreational and outdoor activities throughout the region. Register of interests |
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 | Cr Martin BellaPhone: 0419 793 479
Email: cr.martin.bella@mackay.qld.gov.au Cr Martin Bella is serving his third consecutive term on council, having been re-elected in 2024.
He is chair of council’s Regional Infrastructure Strategic Advisory Committee and a member of the Audit Committee.
Cr Bella is councillor representative on the LGAQ Animal Management Taskforce.
During his first terms from 2016-2020 and 2020-2024, he earned a reputation for being straight-talking and a strong voice for rural landholders.
He is especially a key advocate for residents in the southern part of our region, including Sarina, Sarina Range and Koumala.
After being heavily involved in recovery in that southern region post Cyclone Debbie in 2017, he again helped lead residents in those areas during an unprecedented bushfire crisis in November 2018 and through the subsequent recovery.
A former Queensland State of Origin and Australian representative in rugby league, he’s tackled his role as a councillor with plenty of passion.
His expertise in sugar and beef provides council with a good insight into these industries, as well as landholder issues like pest and weed management.
Cr Bella’s career has included a vast range of roles, such as cane farming, grazier, mining, retail agricultural sales, construction and maintenance, sales, hospitality and transport and freight. He is a qualified physiotherapist and has owned and operated his own practice in Anzac Street, Sarina. Register of interests |
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 | Cr George ChristensenPhone: 1300 194 548
Email: cr.george.christensen@mackay.qld.gov.au Cr George Christensen’s extensive political career has come full circle with his election to Mackay Regional Council in 2024.
It is a return to the Council Chamber he’d previously served in two decades ago.
Cr Christensen was first elected as a councillor with the then Mackay City Council in 2004. He was then re-elected to Mackay Regional Council in 2008 following amalgamation with the Sarina and Mirani shire councils.
Cr Christensen stepped down from council in 2010 and was elected as the Federal Member for Dawson.
He held that Federal seat for 12 years before not recontesting the 2022 election after announcing he was stepping aside to spend more time with his young family.
Cr Christensen is deputy chair of council’s Regional Infrastructure Strategic Advisory Committee.
Born in Mackay to third-generation cane farmers, Cr Christensen was a journalist early in his career.
After studying journalism at university, he worked as a press secretary and electorate officer for the then Federal Member for Dawson De-Ann Kelly.
Later, he became a founding publisher of two community newspapers – the former Walkerston and Valley Advertiser and Northern Beaches Advertiser.
Cr Christensen still enjoys writing, contributing articles to various publications. Register of interests |
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| Cr Namarca CorowaPhone: 0476 548 912
Email: cr.namarca.corowa@mackay.qld.gov.au Cr Namarca Corowa is the first elected councillor on Mackay Regional Council with Australian South Sea Islander and Aboriginal heritage.
Elected as a first-term councillor in the 2024 local government elections, he currently serves as the co-chair of council’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategic Advisory Committee and represents council on the Mayor’s Domestic Violence Taskforce.
Cr Corowa is the founding director and lead facilitator of Reconcile Life, an organisation that collaborates with various levels of government and the community to provide men's domestic and family violence behavioural change services, as well as domestic violence awareness and prevention programs for youth. His work integrates healthy relationships workshops from cultural perspectives, traditional woodworking, art and music.
With a diverse professional background, Cr Corowa has extensive experience in Restorative Justice, Youth Justice, Training and Employment, foster care and various roles in the mining, construction and sugar industries.
In addition to his professional achievements, Cr Corowa is a talented singer and songwriter, performing drums, guitar and bass on stage and with youth groups since 1990 to today. Register of interests |
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 | Cr Ash-Lee JohnsonPhone: 0432 673 012
Email: cr.ash-lee.johnson@mackay.qld.gov.au Cr Ash-Lee Johnson is a dedicated first-time councillor with a good understanding of Mackay Regional Council’s operations.
Before being elected in March 2024, Cr Johnson worked in various roles in financial services and in the economic development program, gaining valuable experience to bring to the role.
Cr Johnson is co-chair of council’s Liveability and Social Inclusion Strategic Advisory Committee and is an observer/proxy on the Audit Committee.
She is also a council representative on the Mackay Regional Housing Company Limited, the North Queensland Sports Foundation and Mayor’s Domestic Violence Taskforce.
With an Accounting degree and industry accreditation as an Australian Certified Economic Developer, Cr Johnson is committed to contributing to this diverse council. Outside of her professional life, Cr Johnson enjoys exploring the region with her young family, from its beautiful beaches to the unique rainforest. Register of interests |
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 | Cr Alison JonesPhone: 0407 690 248
Email: cr.alison.jones@mackay.qld.gov.au Cr Alison Jones has been a resident of the Mackay region for the past 40 years and is currently serving her fourth term on council.
She holds the position of co-chair of council's Sustainability Strategic Advisory Committee and represents council on the Reef Guardian Council.
Throughout her professional career, Cr Jones has gained valuable experience in various fields. She has worked as a plant operator, stevedore and meat works supervisor. Additionally, she has driven trucks in the mining industry and managed a drug and alcohol testing company.
In recent years, Cr Jones dedicated her time to working in the NDIS sector, advocating for the rights of people with disabilities. Her extensive volunteer experience spans over 33 years and includes holding executive positions in not-for-profit organisations associated with the NDIS, homelessness, indigenous affairs, recreational fishing and environmental sectors.
During her tenure, Cr Jones takes pride in several council projects, including the development of the Bluewater Lagoon, the redevelopment of the Lamberts Beach Lookout and the Seagull Street Boat Ramp. She has also been actively involved in advocating for the construction of the Pioneer Valley Rail Trail, currently under construction.
Cr Jones is passionate about supporting individuals of all abilities, as well as our Indigenous community members, including the indigenous business community. She has personally provided support and advocacy for the homeless in our region, notably through her involvement in the Mackay Sleep Bus project. Register of interests |
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 | Cr Nathenea MacRaePhone: 0423 484 727
Email: cr.nathenea.macrae@mackay.qld.gov.au Cr Nathenea MacRae is a first-term councillor, having been elected at the March 2024 local government elections.
As an administrator at her father’s business, Professional Inspectors, she put her hand up for the councillor election as she wanted to support businesses in all sectors in the region.
Cr MacRae is co-chair of council’s Economic Development and Growth Strategic Advisory Committee.
She is also a proxy for Deputy Mayor Belinda Hassan on Mackay Tourism Limited.
Away from work and council, Cr MacRae has volunteered with Mackay Street Chaplaincy, which helps people keep safe on the streets during a night out, as well as with the ADRA Op Shop and the Dancing Together initiative.
Cr MacRae is a proud mum of two daughters and is a fifth-generation resident, born and raised in the Mackay region.
She is passionate about the Mackay region and issues affecting residents. She wants our region to continue to strive to increase liveability to help retain young people and attract new residents. Register of interests |
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 | Cr Karen MayPhone: 0419 669 134
Email: cr.karen.may@mackay.qld.gov.au Cr Karen May’s vast local government experience totals 20 years.
The most experienced councillor on the current council, she was deputy mayor during the last term from 2020-2024.
She was also a councillor, deputy mayor and mayor of the former Sarina Shire Council.
As mayor, she led Sarina through amalgamation with Mackay City and Mirani Shire councils in 2008 and was elected to the new, amalgamated Mackay Regional Council.
She was re-elected for her fourth consecutive term on the amalgamated council at the 2024 local government elections.
Cr May is co-chair of council’s Liveability and Social Inclusion Strategic Advisory Committee.
She is also a council representative on the not-for-profit regional body for community and social development, Greater Whitsunday Communities and the Mackay Regional Housing Company Limited.
During her time on council, Cr May has been dedicated to helping and listening to the community.
She is passionate about advocating on behalf of business, industry and tourism for our region.
Her volunteer work includes serving as chairperson of the Mackay Women’s Service, Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank and committee member of Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsunday. Register of interests |
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 | Cr Heath PatonPhone: 0411 664 315
Email: cr.heath.paton@mackay.qld.gov.au 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. Register of interests |
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 | Cr Peter SheedyPhone: 0418 186 691
Email: cr.peter.sheedy@mackay.qld.gov.au First-term councillor Peter Sheedy is a fourth generation Mackay resident and great nephew of Wentford Street’s namesake, Trooper Jack Wentford, who was a casualty in the first World War.
Cr Sheedy grew up at Marian and worked as a clerk at Racecourse Mill whilst embarking on external studies with UQ.
He was elected at the 2024 local government elections.
A qualified accountant, Cr Sheedy has spent much of his career working with canegrowers.
After a period of four years with Maryborough Sugar as Company Secretary and Financial Accountant, he was in Ingham from 1988 until 2018, where he represented up to 800 farmers and negotiated with CSR and later Wilmar on their behalf.
Cr Sheedy will bring a major focus on financial responsibility in his role on council.
He is co-chair of council’s Sustainability Strategic Advisory Committee.
Cr Sheedy is a member of West Mackay Rotary Club and attends monthly working bees to support transitional housing in a rural area off Seaforth Road. He is also a foundation member of Pioneer Valley Men’s Shed.
It is not the first time the Sheedy name has been part of local government in Mackay. One of his brothers Barry Sheedy served with the former Pioneer Shire Council and then the amalgamated Mackay City Council. Register of interests |
