Cr Karen May - Chair and Local Government Director for Mackay

I have vast local government experience, which totals more than 18 years, which holds me in good stead for my role as Deputy Mayor in the current council. I was a councillor, deputy mayor and mayor of the former Sarina Shire Council.

As mayor, I led Sarina through amalgamation with Mackay City and Mirani Shire councils in 2008. I am a member of council’s Character and Heritage, Regional Arts Development Fund, Sarina Field of Dreams Advisory Committee, Priority Development Area Advisory Committee and Sustainability and Environment Advisory committees. I also represent council on the Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsunday Committee and Headspace Sarina reference group.

 I have extensive knowledge when it comes to council infrastructure and asset management. I am currently a Member of the Local Government Association of Queensland Finance Governance Asset Management Advisory Reference Group.

I am also a member of the Sarina Landcare Catchment Management Association and Chair of the Mackay Regional Housing Company, Chair of Greater Whitsunday Communities and a member of North Queensland Bulk Points Community Reference Group for the Port of Hay Point, as well as the Dalrymple Bay Terminal Community Engagement Group.

 On a volunteer basis I am currently the Chair of Community Bank Sarina, Chair of the Mackay Women’s Service and a Director of the Trudy Crowley Foundation.

 I have over 25 years’ experience as a small business owner and a strong advocate for issues facing regional Queensland. I played a leading role in the recovery from Cyclone Debbie and the regions bushfires. I am currently the Chair of the Mackay Regional Council Human and Social Recovery group and as Deputy Mayor I am Deputy Chair on the Local Disaster Management Group.