"I'm not afraid to tell it how it is and I'm not afraid of the State and Federal Governments, Ive had guns to my head (literally) before and I'm not afraid to stand up for what is fair, right, just and equal even when I don't like those outcomes" - Shane Cuthbert
Transparency
As a former youth crime offender now reformed, Shane says he 'will continue to be open, honest and transparent on all issues'. Shane has a substantial following across social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, with millions of views across his TikTok, where he shares his personal experiences with prisons, the justice system, youth offending and overcoming adversity and trauma quite openly.
Accessability
Shane Cuthbert also intends to be an accessable Councillor, personally funding a public office where concerned residents can contact Shane and share their concerns directly. Shane says 'after speaking with residents in my area, it has become quite clear to me that they feel unheard and have had difficulties contacting thier local representatives'.
Accountability
Fed up with local and State politicians who regularly shift the blame onto each other, regarding proposals to better support the youth and reduce youth crime offending in Cairns, Shane says "No more its a State or Federal issue, if it is happening in Cairns, it is OUR issue and I wont shift the blame when issues are controversial or 'tough'. Tough decisions are what elected officials are elected to make.
Local Councillors are quick to shift the blame to State and Federal Governments but there are things a NEW Council can do in these spaces. Council currently spends millions of dollars worth of rate payer monies supporting a Queensland Police golf buggy on the esplanade, a hybrid vehicle and extensive CBD security contracts. These funds can be better allocated towards local Council programs aimed at addressing issues such as youth crime and homelessness within the CBD.
For the latest Media Releases CLICK HERE
Rising Costs of Living
Shane Cuthbert supported Cairns Councillor Rob Pyne's vote against raising Council Rates given the rising costs of living and stress experienced by renters and home owners. An independent Council will support social housing in Cairns through local investment and development. Currently, the Cairns Regional Council waives thousands in development fees for wealthy developers and a NEW Council could impose restrictions on developers that would see a % of their new developments dedicated towards social housing in order to recieve those discounts or, consider imposing those fees in order for Council to invest in its own social housing investment strategy.
Shane Cuthbert supported Cairns Councillor Rob Pyne's vote against raising Council Rates given the rising costs of living and stress experienced by renters and home owners. An independent Council will support social housing in Cairns through local investment and development. Currently, the Cairns Regional Council waives thousands in development fees for wealthy developers and a NEW Council could impose restrictions on developers that would see a % of their new developments dedicated towards social housing in order to recieve those discounts or, consider imposing those fees in order for Council to invest in its own social housing investment strategy.
"As someone who has experienced homelessness in Cairns, i stand with Cairns residents experiencing rent and mortgage stress", "We currently waive thousands in fees for wealthy developers and its time we supported those struggling to keep a roof over their heads" - Shane Cuthbert
Homelessness
Homelessness is something Shane Cuthbert understands all too well, as someone who has been homeless and in 2018, homeless in Cairns. Shane remembers his experiences very clearly, catching Dengue Fever after spending the night sleeping at Muddy's playground on the esplanade after being told by staff at the Cairns Emergency Department 'you can't sleep here' and spending a few nights in the skatepark, experiences he shared speaking at last years Vinnies CEO community Sleepout.
Shane was eventually supported by community organisations and facilities such as OzCare and the Quigley St homeless shelter (now in disrepair) and would like to see more investment into social housing at the local level. Shane can relate to those whom have been forced onto the streets, through no fault of their own and was part of an Inter-University team, that last year developed a prototype app, addressing the needs of those doing it tough.
For the latest Media Releases CLICK HERE
"I have spent three years advocating for a 24 hour youth centre in Cairns, supporting our disadvantaged youth and reducing youth related crime" - Shane Cuthbert
In 2020, after discussing possible solutions and alternatives to youth crime issues with Cairns MP Michael Healy, Shane Cuthbert established the 'change the world foundation', which advocates for youth in Cairns, applying for the Queensland Government Community Partnerships grant to establish a 24-hour youth centre in Cairns, that aims to minimise youth crime whilst providing a safe place for at risk, vulnerable youth at night, access to clothing, bedding and food whilst also providing mentorship and guidance to young offenders currently before the legal system in various capacities.
Shane Cuthbert also works with adults experiencing and/or perpetrating domestic and family violence as the main facilitator of adult male mentoring sessions on behalf of domestic violence anonymous. A service reducing and preventing domestic violence through peer support, education and mentorship for individuals that may be victims or perpetrators of abuse.
Shane Cuthbert also works with adults experiencing and/or perpetrating domestic and family violence as the main facilitator of adult male mentoring sessions on behalf of domestic violence anonymous. A service reducing and preventing domestic violence through peer support, education and mentorship for individuals that may be victims or perpetrators of abuse.
"I will continue to advocate for services that reduce youth offending, this is something I understand well, I've been there and I've done it, but I do not support the Queensland State Government decision to build a youth detention centre in Edmonton, Cairns" - Shane Cuthbert
Reducing Youth Crime through Lived Experience
Shane Cuthbert has gained millions of views on TikTok for his personal lived experience videos, depicting real life experiences inside prisons, the justice system, youth offending and overcoming adversity and trauma. As a former youth crime offender, once sentenced by fellow independent Candidate for Division 8 and former Magistrate Pat O'Shane, Shane Cuthbert, now President of the CQU Law Society understands youth offending behaviour, its causes and prevention.
On a number of occassions, The Queensland Parliament has invited Shane Cuthbert to speak with MPs and share his personal insight with committees on various issues affecting Queenslanders such as youth crime.
LawToks Project
As a representative of the Business and Law faculty of CQU, Shane Cuthbert was invited to visit schools and community organisations in Rockhampton to present the LawToks project, to young people identified as ‘at high risk’ of police interactions. CQU’s involvement in the project was requested by the Durumbul Youth Network in collaboration with Child Safety and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Community Leaders in Rockhampton, following community consultations in 2020. Shane Cuthbert was the only law student from CQU involved, and his legal advice was relied upon by CQU drama students who created short, fun and engaging videos depicting ‘real life’ scenarios in order to better educate young people about their rights and responsibilities when dealing with police. A project supported by Cairns MP Michael Healy.
For the latest Media Releases CLICK HERE
"Recognised at the Cairns Citizen of the Year Awards in 2021 and 2023 for my volunteering contributions, i will continue to volunteer whilst working to introduce more Council support services, programs and eco-friendly community spaces" - Shane Cuthbert
Volunteer of the Year and COVID-19 Community Care Awards in 2021.
In 2019 during COVID-19, Shane Cuthbert assisted The Salvation Army, Anglicare and Cairns Helpers Helping Those In Quarantine, receiving and distributing donated items of food and toiletries across Cairns. As Cairns Helpers Helping those in Quarantine organisers had family members with immune deficiencies, and could no longer continue accepting donations Shane opened up his business, to be used as a food ’drop off’ point where canned goods and toiletries were carefully sought into ‘care packages’ for delivery across Cairns where Shane personally delivered many ‘care packages’ to the most vulnerable, elderly, at risk and immune compromised families in Cairns.
As a Community Volunteer
Over the last four years, Shane has volunteered with the Salvation Army, Red Cross, Australian Marine Conservation Society, COUCH, Cairns Helpers Helping Those in Quarantine, Lifeline, Australian Youth Climate Coalition Cairns, Cairns and Far North Environment Centre, Domestic Violence Anonymous, Tangaroa Blue and Greenpeace. He has also volunteered with the Cairns Ironman event, Crankworx, the Reef Restoration Foundation, Mayor Bob Manning's Christmas Appeal and many others.
Speaking publicly at the St Vincent De Paul Societies CEO Sleepout and Lifeline's Out of the Shadows, suicide prevention events this year, Shane says that "through volunteering, individuals have the power to help themselves whilst helping others", a powerful statement. Shane Cuthberts commitment to volunteering in communities spans more than 20 years.
Not only does Shane Cuthbert do a lot of volunteering work for organisations in Cairns, but he also does a lot of extra-curricular (unpaid volunteer) work on behalf of those in the local community not currently supported or inadequately supported by NGOs and Government services as an advocate for human rights and a law student. Again, a long list which includes but is not limited to;
Business Community Leader
Shane Cuthbert Contributed to an economic stimulus plan, presented to state and federal leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic on behalf of the Cairns Young Chamber of Commerce and was asked to join the Business Liaison Association's year 11 and 12 business planning competition as a Judge following the passing of long time supporter and organiser, Sandy Whyte.
Indigenous and Environmental Community
Shane Cuthbert has been heavily supportive of the greater Cairns community, standing side by side with indigenous leaders during Black Lives Matter protests, holding a candle for young Cassius outside the Cairns Library, protesting climate inaction during UNESCO's visit to Cairns, speaking to victims of crime who gathered outside the Cairns Convention Centre during the Queensland Parliamentary visit and, the list goes on. Over the past four years, Shane Cuthbert has made quite the name for himself as a community leader and advocate.
On Indigenous Rights, The Cairns Regional Council recently voted down a reconciliation plan becuase of references to 'the Voice' and 'Path to Treaty'. This, a Council with the largest percentage of First Nations Peoples in any other Council area throughout Queensland. Shane Cuthbert, as part of a NEW Cairns Regional Council will support a reconciliation plan.
For the latest Media Releases CLICK HERE