Vision

My Great Great Grandfather James Charles White who had visions for the Darling Downs starting with the building of the Jondaryn Woolshed and his two sons Charles Edward White Snr and William Thomas White surveyed not only the City of Toowoomba but the Downs also, opening it up for future development.

So like my Great Grandfathers before me I would like to continue the family tradition in working for the Vision of Toowoomba and the Darling Downs.

My experience has been on a small rural council thus being involved in all facets of Local Government - very much hands on. During this time I have also served on a number of Committees at a National Level holding executive positions of Chair, Deputy Chair and Secretary. This has given me experience with dealing with all levels of Government & people all around Australia.

During the last 12 months I have undertaken study obtaining a Diploma in Local Government Administration as I believe Councillors need certain qualifications to assist them with their responsibilities.

Because the Toowoomba Regional Council has no divisions the Voters in this Regional Council need to ensure they have a Representative from their Community on this Council.

My priorities on Council are to listen to the people, provide a voice for our Community and preserve the identity of our Communities. Services to the communities must not be reduced.

There are major issues facing the new Council - merging of the eight Councils, Infrastructure, Water, Airport to name a few.

I have a proven track record for working hard with a passion for my community and a wish to achieve a balance between encouraging growth and preserving our unique country atmosphere.

Personal Profile

I am married to Bob and we are 'parents' to 2 very spoilt Old English Sheepdogs.

I was born and raised in Allora,(my father was the Church of England Minister in Allora ) after completing my primary school education at the Allora State School I then followed the family tradition and attended the Glennie Memorial School.

After finishing school I gained employment at the Allora Pharmacy, then joined the then Bank of New South Wales / Westpac. After taking a transfer to Clifton I met my future husband.
Four years after we were married we purchased a local Service Station which we operated for 24years.

My family history on my Mothers side dates back to James Charles White ( my Great Great Grandfather who was the first manager of Jondaryan Station.

My Great Grandfather Charles White a trained architect was in volved in the original planning of the Colony / Toowoomba.

Current Local Government involvement

: First elected to Clifton Shire in 1991 and re-elected at subsequent local
elections.

: Elected Deputy Mayor in 2000 and again in 2004.

: Committe involvement - all aspects of Council committees.

: Currently hold the portfolio of Planning.

: Alternate Director representing Clifton Shire on the Darling Downs
Regional Organisation of Councils.

: Past Council Representative on the Southern Downs Tourist Association
Board member.

Skills

: Ability to work autonomously or as part of a team.

. Work effectively with a diverse range of people.

. Identification of customer neeeds and provide appropriate service.

. Ability to negotiate with a successful outcome.

. Well developed listening skills.

. Ability to handle and prioritize clients needs.

. Willingness to be involved.

. Ability to own and operate a business.

Executive Positions held

: 1994 - 2000 State Secretary for the Australian Local Government
Women's Association Inc Queensland Branch

: 2001 - 2004 National Secretary for the Australian Local Government
Women's Association Inc National Board

: 2001 - 2004 National Rural Women's Coalition - Appointed Chair 2003
and Deputy Chair 2004

: 2005 - 2006 Zone 3 representative Australian Local Government
Women's Association Inc Queensland Branch.

: Currently Vice President Australian Local Government Women's Ass Inc
Queensland Branch.

Work History

Current :
. Partner in business trading as R & A Motors

. Sub contract Courier drivers for Toowoomba Parcel Service

. School Bus driver

. Bookkeeping

Previous employment

. Pharmacy assistant (1973 - 74)

. Westpac Bank employee (1974 - 1985)

. Established and operated Tramps Mobile Dog Wash (1998 - 2002)

Training & Development

: Diploma of Local Government Administration (2007)
( I was part of a pilot program for this Diploma and this course is now
being offered to staff and councillors State wide.)

: Directors Course 2007

: LGAQ Code of Conduct

: Advanced Reading Skills

: Numerous LGAQ Training days

: Justice of the Peace (Qualified)

: Army Driving Course