Service of Rockhampton Regional Councillors recognised

Published on 19 November 2019

Cr Rutherford, Cr Smith, Mayor Strelow, Cr Swadling, Cr Williams.JPG

Normal Council business was today suspended for a short period so that the public service of three local councillors could be applauded.

Family, friends, and members of the community looked on as Councillor Cherie Rutherford, Councillor Tony Williams and Councillor Ellen Smith were presented with Local Government Association Queensland long service certificates, having served the community for over 15 years each. 

Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow said that she was delighted that members of the community, as well as senior Council staff, had come to witness the presentation.

“Giving 15 years of your life to your local community is an outstanding act of public service.

“I know from personal experience of working with Councillors Rutherford, Williams and Smith that they have all been excellent advocates for the people of the Rockhampton Region, and I believe they should be very proud of what they have achieved.”

Deputy Mayor Councillor Cherie Rutherford said that spending 15 years working for the community was a real privilege, and that it wouldn’t be possible without the support of her family.

“There are definitely some things that have to be picked up on the home front by other people when you live with a busy councillor, so I want to thank my husband and my family for all the support they have given, and continue to provide.

“I am very proud to be part of Rockhampton Regional Council and I want to acknowledge the hard work of everyone in this organisation, from the CEO down. We wouldn’t be able to do our job without their commitment and hard work.”

Councillor Tony Williams said he had seen the scope of what local government does change dramatically since he was first elected.

“While the important issues of roads, rates and rubbish still feature heavily in our work, we are also now involved in much more. Whether it’s delivering huge projects like the Riverside Development, telling the world what a great place the Rockhampton Region is through our tourism arm or being a familiar face in times of disaster, councillors are there not just for daily life but for live changing events too.

“I get a great satisfaction from delivering for the community which has put their trust in me to be their representative, and I am proud to work hard on their behalf.”

Councillor Ellen Smith said being able to deliver things that local residents asked for was a wonderful part of the job of a councillor.

“It really is a pleasure and a privilege to serve the Rockhampton Region as a councillor.

“Being able to work alongside the community to bring about the change we all want to see is an amazing way to spend your time, and I am immensely grateful to all those who have supported me.”

Mayor Margaret Strelow and Councillor Rose Swadling were also recently recognised with long service awards for 15 and 25 years respectively.