Councillor Jenny Mackay looks back fondly on her 20 years as Div 5 Councillor in an interview with The Sunshine Valley Gazette. 

How was your first year in Council?

In 2000 there were less than 5000 residents in the then-Division 2. And believe me, it kept me very busy.  I quickly realised that while I had a number of skills I needed more, and so I took advantage of any professional development courses, conferences and online learning to ensure that I had a collection of tools to best do the job. Whilst these were mostly helpful, I was always cognisant of the associated costs and the time involved and sometimes I would joke and say the best thing I learnt was not to attend the next one!

What was your proudest moment in Council, your best achievement?

Over 20 years there have been so many. But two of the more significant ones that come to mind and are close to my heart were championing and overseeing the development of the Maroochy Botanic Gardens Ecology Centre and the Mary Cairnscross Scenic Reserve Discovery Centre. I recognise that  the success of these projects came about because of the partnership of the volunteer Friends Groups that strongly supported the process.  Both facilities have been awarded some of Australia’s highest distinctions. 

Best aspect of being Div 5 Councillor?

Being a hinterland person myself with strong connections to the farming and local communities, I could relate personally and professionally to many of the concerns of rural residents.   For over 40 years I have lived, worked and volunteered in the hinterland area. So the local knowledge and connections I gained proved invaluable to not only maintaining old relationships but also in giving me the capacity to achieve new connections and hence achieve new outcomes.

Worst aspect of being a Div 5 Councillor?

To be quite honest there are really no bad aspects to the job. Frustrating sometimes was the lack of mobile coverage and the pure logistics and distance to cover the whole of the division. 

Apart from the people, what’s the best thing about Division 5?

Without a doubt the beautiful landscape which changes with every kilometre.   Hinterland towns with their own character, open space with rolling hills and views over to the Pacific Ocean, broad acres of farming land in the Conondale area through to rich rainforests and nature reserves.

Do you have a message for the new councillor for Division 5?

I wish the incoming Councillor all the very best and hope that they enjoy serving the communities of Division 5 as much as I did. I am staying local, doing local community things and will always be very happy to share a coffee and provide any input into any decisions that are made for the Hinterland. I will certainly not be writing ‘Letters to the Editor’ as I know what a tough job it is; and with such a diverse group of residents with differing views, it is difficult sometimes to make the best decisions, even with all the information, whilst ensuring the majority of residents support the decisions made within their local areas.

How do you deal with tough issues, emotionally and practically?

I once received some great advice from a local resident who knew me well from our joint community involvements, which I’ve always remembered ... “You will need a tough skin to do this job, but never let it harden your heart or lose the empathy you have for all”.  I remember this conversation clearly even 20 years later which was given while going up the ramp into the Old Post Office in Palmwoods after catching up this lovely ageing lady.  I have kept these words of advice close to my heart,  checking  them from time to time when the going got tough.  

Why did you retire?

It was a well thought-out process and after considering family,  health, age and desire to return home to relax — the decision became clear.  I am also a great believer in renewal and providing opportunities for younger people to step up into roles where they can have some influence on making decision for their  generation, this was all a part of my considerations.   I have spent 20 years in Local Government, working hard, enjoying every day, or at least most days!   It’s time to hang up the hat and allow someone else to build, re-focus and take the hinterland into the next decade.

What are you going to do now?

I am looking forward to spending time with my family, enjoying my home, gardening and of course volunteering my time back to the community. I have several offers of part-time work, which I may consider after a break, but for now it is “lock down” to ensure that I am doing my part in restricting the speed of the CaronaVirus!   I was looking forward to saying a few more personal goodbyes and thank-you’s — but now is not the time so I will need to wait.

What’s the biggest challenge for the new council?

Governments of all levels are going to be challenged as we move through the short and long term impacts of the COVID-19. Like all budgets, inevitably something blows out somewhere, and many other nice (long anticipated) things need to go or be deferred until a more financially sustainable time arrives.  This council was already challenged with transitioning from a tourism-based economy to broaden its opportunities in industries like, education, technology, agriculture. Major projects like the International Airport expansion,  Maroochydore Business and City Centre and managing growth. So the future is certainly not without its challenges.  Whilst this Council has done a load of work to better place the Hinterland towns in an ever evolving environment there is still much to do it ensure survival and in particular the once-thriving Nambour town.

Any comments on the election?

I wish to congratulate all the Candidates on nominating.   It is certainly very disappointing to me that it would now appear that Party Politics have entered the Sunshine Coast Council Election process.   Whilst several large councils currently operate within that environment, I believe that local government should not be politically based and all elected represents working independently and hard for the betterment of their communities — together with all persuasions to deliver best outcomes.