Passing The Baton Julieanne Gilbert's Farewell To Mackay Politics

In a surprise announcement made last week, Julieanne Gilbert, the Member for Mackay, announced that she will not be contesting the upcoming State election in October. 
 
Mrs Gilbert said that it has been an honour to represent Mackay in State Parliament. 

“The world has changed immensely during this time, increased use of social media, the global pandemic and now we are combating the global cost of living pressures.  I have loved working in our community. 
  
“I have decided that it is time for me to pass the baton onto someone younger who will continue work for our collective betterment, she said.
 
“I would like to thank the Mackay community for their support.”

During a press conference held on Sydney Street, Mrs Gilbert sighted the opportunity to travel with her husband, Frank, as well as spending more time with her family as motivating factors for her retirement. She also said that this was her decision and she was not influenced by the Labor party to retire.

During her career as the Member for Mackay since 2015, there are a number of projects delivered for the Mackay community that she is proud of.

“Investment into our road systems to make our daily lives safer and get to our destinations quicker including the Vines Creek Bridges, Mackay Ring Road and Walkerston Bypass and a network of shared bike and walking paths,” she said.
 
“Our health services continue to grow to service our expanding population including, the rebuild of the Sarina hospital, the funding for the 128-bed expansion and multi-story car park at the Mackay Base Hospital.  The expansion of the Heart Catheter Lab which is saving the lives of locals.”
  
The former teacher also said that the region’s future workforce will come from students currently sitting in classrooms.

“A new classroom block at the Mackay Special School, the upgrade to the performing arts blocks at North Mackay SHS and the new teaching spaces at CQU TAFE will prepare and train our young people. 

“Even when you have not agreed with decisions being made at state government level, please know that each decision was made with the best interest of our community’s future at heart.

“Finally, I would like to thank my family, friends, ALP branch members, many volunteers, and my hard-working electorate staff for joining me on this journey.”
 
Premier Steven Miles visited Mackay last Friday adding his support to Mackay Regional Council Deputy Mayor Belinda Hassan’s nomination to replace Mrs Gilbert as the Labor candidate for the seat of Mackay.

Ms Hassan said she would take an unpaid leave of absence from her role as a councillor while campaigning for the state election.

After nearly a decade of service, Julieanne Gilbert steps down as Member for Mackay to focus on family and travel. Her Mackay Labor team L-R: Suzanne, Julieanne, Phil and Emily. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

Premier Steven Miles (left) visited a social housing project in Mackay last Friday adding his support to Cr Belinda Hassan’s Labor party nomination for the state election

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