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Cairns Regional Council Election 2024
The Cairns Regional Council Election will take place in 2024 and Shane Cuthbert is well placed, as a politically active member of the Cairns community to comment on the many Cairns Divisional candidates and Mayor position up for grabs.
Shane Cuthbert has attended MOST Cairns Regional Council General Meetings, Cairns Regional Council Planning and Environment Meetings and shares various networks with current and aspiring Cairns Councillors.
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Steve Lippingwell Announces bid for Division 2
Australian Labor Party member, School Teacher and former campaign manager for Rob Pyne Steve Lippingwell, will bring experience, knowledge and sensibility to the Division. Steve Lippingwell has gained positive media attention recently having started a petition against the unpopular youth detention centre proposed in Edmonton.
Steve Lippingwell, gained more than 450 signatures within three days of commencing his petition, which can be found online on the Queensland Government petitions portal.
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Division 2 Is Up For Grabs
Division 2 is currently the most hotly contested division in the upcoming local elections in 2024 with former Unity team member John Schilling, Rob Pyne campaign manager Steve Lippingwell and Cairns Chamber of Commerce Vice-President Mathew Tickner all competing for the seat, left behind by Incumbent Rob Pyne who will run in Division 5.
Division 2 is currently the most hotly contested division in the upcoming local elections in 2024 with former Unity team member John Schilling, Rob Pyne campaign manager Steve Lippingwell and Cairns Chamber of Commerce Vice-President Mathew Tickner all competing for the seat, left behind by Incumbent Rob Pyne who will run in Division 5.
Current Division Two Councillor Rob Pyne (Experience and Social Issues)Divison Two Councillor Rob Pyne is arguably the most successful politician in Cairns, very well known throughout the Cairns community having served as the Member for Cairns between 2015-2017. Prior to serving as Cairns MP Rob Pyne had served as both a Divison 2 Councillor and Division 3 Councillor for Cairns from 2008-2015 . The Pyne family name is quite well known as Tom Pyne, Robe Pyne's father served as Mayor of Cairns and Mulgrave shire for 30 years.
Shane Cuthbert first met Rob Pyne, having reached out to gather his support for a Youth Advisory Committee, having been recommended by the Cairns Young Chamber economic stimulus paper to which, he had made a contribution in 2019-2020. Rob Pyne immediately supported the move and asked to meet with him and they continue to work together on a number of projects. Rob Pyne has announced he will not be running as a candidate in the Cairns Local Government Elections 2024 however, this has been influenced by the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) decision to continue funding a legal action against him in the Cairns District Court where Judge Dean Morzone presides.
Shane Cuthbert first met Rob Pyne, having reached out to gather his support for a Youth Advisory Committee, having been recommended by the Cairns Young Chamber economic stimulus paper to which, he had made a contribution in 2019-2020. Rob Pyne immediately supported the move and asked to meet with him and they continue to work together on a number of projects. Rob Pyne has announced he will not be running as a candidate in the Cairns Local Government Elections 2024 however, this has been influenced by the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) decision to continue funding a legal action against him in the Cairns District Court where Judge Dean Morzone presides.
Matthew Tickner
Matthew Tickner was an early supporter of Division 4 candidate Shane Cuthbert, endorsing him for youth leadership in 2021, as a member of the Cairns Young Chamber.
Matthew Tickner is currently the Vice-President of the Cairns Chamber of Commerce and Managing Director of Progression Design & Development. Cairns Council Candidate Matthew Tickner is a well-regarded civil design and urban development specialist with a history of experience on urban development and civil engineering projects in Australia and New Zealand.
Division 2 Candidate Matthew Tickner recently attended a community forum in Edmonton, organised by fellow LNP member and Cairns LNP Candidate Yolande Entsch, where he was quite critical of current Division 2 Councillor Rob Pyne asking “where is he” referring to the former MP.
Being a councillor is a nice job and comes with a great pay packet but voters should consider carefully who they are voting for, and their motivations.
Journalists from this magazine reached out to Matthew Tickner, to provide him with an opportunity to share with the community, his plans for division 2 and introduce himself however, Matthew Tickner has ignored our offer and failed to attend meetings (he himself has organised with constituents, whom have requested his support) regarding a 24 hour gaming centre for troubled kids in the CBD. Where was he?
If Matthew Tickner is to be elected in 2024, he will need to work harder. Many councillors nominate themselves with the aim of creating positive change in the community but many rarely do, most nominate to boost their own public profiles and increase networking opportunities for lucrative council contracts.
Matthew Tickner is currently the Vice-President of the Cairns Chamber of Commerce and Managing Director of Progression Design & Development. Cairns Council Candidate Matthew Tickner is a well-regarded civil design and urban development specialist with a history of experience on urban development and civil engineering projects in Australia and New Zealand.
Division 2 Candidate Matthew Tickner recently attended a community forum in Edmonton, organised by fellow LNP member and Cairns LNP Candidate Yolande Entsch, where he was quite critical of current Division 2 Councillor Rob Pyne asking “where is he” referring to the former MP.
Being a councillor is a nice job and comes with a great pay packet but voters should consider carefully who they are voting for, and their motivations.
Journalists from this magazine reached out to Matthew Tickner, to provide him with an opportunity to share with the community, his plans for division 2 and introduce himself however, Matthew Tickner has ignored our offer and failed to attend meetings (he himself has organised with constituents, whom have requested his support) regarding a 24 hour gaming centre for troubled kids in the CBD. Where was he?
If Matthew Tickner is to be elected in 2024, he will need to work harder. Many councillors nominate themselves with the aim of creating positive change in the community but many rarely do, most nominate to boost their own public profiles and increase networking opportunities for lucrative council contracts.
Kesa Strieby
Kesa Strieby moved to Cairns from Jordan with her husband in 2007, establishing the Fiji Community Association in 2008.
Kesa Strieby has worked in the hospitality industry around the world for 25 years and has spent the past 16 years working for non-profit organisations in Australia. Kesa Strieby says “People from our great community have asked me to run for an opportunity within the local government and continue to advocate for them”.
Kesa Strieby says she is “ a woman with a vision to work hard in community development, engagements, social connection and cohesion. Life has taught me that everything happens for a reason”. “I can gladly confirm this is my time to be the people’s voice. I am confident & determined and most importantly up for the challenge.”
In 2022, Kesa Strieby became the Cairns Regional Council Woman of the Year at Cairns Regional Council’s International Women’s Day event.
Since then, Kesa Strieby has continued to support her local community and is one of the most heavily engaged (hands on) candidates in the upcoming election.
Kesa Strieby, showing an early commitment to the upcoming election, met with former Mayor Val Schier, Division 4 candidate Shane Cuthbert and current Division 2 Councillor Rob Pyne to discuss joining an independent team however, later chose to run alongside Amy Eden and is currently the only announced team Eden candidate.
Kesa Strieby originally wanted to run in Division 7 but settled for 2 as Sam Byrd had already announced his plans for 7, as Part of team Eden although, he has since withdrawn.
Kesa Strieby's profile has been published in this months Cairns election Magazine.
Kesa Strieby has worked in the hospitality industry around the world for 25 years and has spent the past 16 years working for non-profit organisations in Australia. Kesa Strieby says “People from our great community have asked me to run for an opportunity within the local government and continue to advocate for them”.
Kesa Strieby says she is “ a woman with a vision to work hard in community development, engagements, social connection and cohesion. Life has taught me that everything happens for a reason”. “I can gladly confirm this is my time to be the people’s voice. I am confident & determined and most importantly up for the challenge.”
In 2022, Kesa Strieby became the Cairns Regional Council Woman of the Year at Cairns Regional Council’s International Women’s Day event.
Since then, Kesa Strieby has continued to support her local community and is one of the most heavily engaged (hands on) candidates in the upcoming election.
Kesa Strieby, showing an early commitment to the upcoming election, met with former Mayor Val Schier, Division 4 candidate Shane Cuthbert and current Division 2 Councillor Rob Pyne to discuss joining an independent team however, later chose to run alongside Amy Eden and is currently the only announced team Eden candidate.
Kesa Strieby originally wanted to run in Division 7 but settled for 2 as Sam Byrd had already announced his plans for 7, as Part of team Eden although, he has since withdrawn.
Kesa Strieby's profile has been published in this months Cairns election Magazine.
Nikki Guimelli
Nikki has had a long and vibrant business history in the Cairns tourism industry and small business community. An active member of the Cairns community residing in Division 2, Nikki is partner to Pat and mother to their teenagers Grace, Finn, and James. Along with her history of small business ownership and management, Nikki has also worked across the education sector as a high school teacher and now works as a business consultant and project manager.
In 2014, Nikki and her partner Pat founded the adrenalin-charged and multi-award-winning adventure tourism operation, Bad Fishing Jet Boating before adding Cairns Boat Hire to their Marlin Marina operation in 2016. Both operations were sold to local business, The Cairns Adventure Group, in 2023. Nikki worked as the General Manager in the business, with a focus on business development, sales and marketing and operations.
Nikki has a deep love for Cairns and has developed many strong relationships in the city’s broader community through connecting with organisations such as The Chamber of Commerce, The Cairns Businesswomen’s Club, Tourism Tropical North Queensland and the Skal Club of Cairns where she was president in 2022/23 and now sits on the National Board.
Nikki volunteers her time mentoring students, business owners and emerging leaders in the region. She believes her experience in advocacy, notably liaising with State and Federal Ministers, media, and local organisations such as the Cairns Chamber of Commerce during COVID-19, sets her in good stead to effectively serve the community. She is a voluntary member of the QLD Government Regional Community Forum (since 2022) where she engages with various organisations, Government officials, business owners and community leaders to advocate for Cairns.
Nikki completed her Master’s in Tourism Management from James Cook University (JCU) and drawing on her teaching background, has also taught business and tourism students at JCU. On a personal note, Nikki loves spending time with her family, hiking the local walking trails, swimming in local creeks and visiting the weekend markets. Attending amazing local shows, events and galleries are among her favourite things to do.
Nikki has some great plans and ideas for Division 2 and is very committed to this period as being a time of listening, of learning and of profiling issues of importance for the residents of her division. She is passionate about backing small business, engaging youth and creating opportunities for our community to thrive. She is committed to being an active and engaged voice for the residents of Division 2 and Cairns.