Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett and Councillors sworn into office

Gladstone Regional Council has today welcomed its new Councillor group following a Declaration of Office ceremony held at Council Chambers.

This follows the 2024 local government elections that were held on Saturday 16 March.

Joining Mayor Matt Burnett, who was elected unopposed, are returning Councillors Natalia Muszkat, Glenn Churchill and Kahn Goodluck.

They are joined by Cr Karen Davis, Cr Mellissa Holzheimer, Cr Michelle Wagner, Cr Leanne Patrick and Cr Simon McClintock.

Mayor Matt Burnett enters his third term as Mayor of the Gladstone Region after being elected to the role in 2016. He has served the Gladstone Region since 2000.

Cr Kahn Goodluck and Cr Glenn Churchill enter their third term as Gladstone Region councillors after being elected in 2016.

Cr Natalia Muszkat is also entering her third term after being elected via byelection in 2018.

Cr Muszkat was unanimously elected as Deputy Mayor for this term.

Gladstone Regional Council CEO Leisa Dowling congratulated Mayor Matt Burnett and the Councillor group on their election.

“I’d like to congratulate Mayor Matt Burnett on his successful return as Gladstone Region Mayor for a third term and our returning Councillors, as well as extend a warm welcome to our newest Councillors,” Ms Dowling said.

“I’d also like to congratulate Cr Muszkat for being elected as Deputy Mayor.

“With our newly elected Council comes new opportunities and I am excited to see the diversity and experience of this group come together to deliver for our community.

“I’d also like to acknowledge and thank Rick Hansen, Chris Trevor, Desley O’Grady, Darryl Branthwaite and Chris Cameron for their dedication as Councillors and remarkable contributions to our community during their time with Council.”

Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett also paid tribute to the outgoing Councillors.

“Rick, CT, Desley, Darryl and Chris have been fantastic representatives for our Region,” he said.

“Together we have achieved so much and have made decisions that have driven our region forward.

“I have truly valued their friendship, guidance and support throughout the years, and I wish them health, happiness and success as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

“I am excited to see what our new Councillor group can achieve over the next four years, beginning with our first General Council meeting on Tuesday 23 April.”

Download this media release (PDF)