WE REVEAL THE THREE NEW FACES ON MANNING’S UNITY TEAM
BOB Manning will today launch the new-look Unity Team to contest the local government election in March.
The team will include three new faces to contest division 5, division 6 and division 8 in light of Councillor Jessie Richardson’s decision to retire.
Community leader Amy Eden, business figure Rhonda Coghlan, and social media influencer Kristy Vallely are expected to join the ranks.
But Unity is not expected to contest division 3 held by independent Cathy Zeiger.
Ms Vallely announced her decision to run for division 6 late last year, with an endorsement from current division 6 councillor Linda Cooper, who is stepping down to run for the seat of Barron River against Craig Crawford in the Queensland election.
Her switch to the Unity Team may come as a shock given her initial intention to run as an independent.
Mayor Manning needs young, lively blood in his ranks – and he also needs more women to stave off the “boys’ club” stigma that so often dogs local politics.
Ms Vallely stands to benefit greatly from the experience, leverage and, perhaps most critically, financial resources from joining an established and successful team.
Cr Cooper said Ms Vallely’s decision to hitch her fortunes to the Unity wagon would not affect her decision to endorse her as a potential successor.
“I fully endorse Kristy, regardless of whether she runs as an independent or with Unity, because it’s all about the candidate and their ability to work for the community,” she said.
Rhonda Coghlan previously ran against Jessie Richardson for Division 8 in 2012, making her return as Cr Richardson’s potential successor under the Unity flag a surprise.
She’s a regional business development manager with QSuper and has a long career in banking.
Amy Eden is co-founder of homewares and restored furniture company Eden & Wade and a community stalwart in the western Cairns suburbs.
The team will be formally announced this morning at Munro Martin Parklands.