CAIRNS COUNCIL ELECTIONS 2024 TEAM EDEN
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.
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.
Mayor Candidate Amy Eden (Team Eden)
Division Five Councillor Amy Eden is one of the younger councillors, narrowly elected in 2020, having run against long serving Councillor Ritchie Bates, it is expected Amy Eden hold the Division Five seat at the Cairns Council Election 2024 however, there are rumours that Amy Eden will lead an all women team, running for the Cairns Mayor position in 2024.
Cairns Councillor Amy Eden is the most active Councillor in terms of getting out and about within the community, speaking with and engaging with locals, she is also the easiest to contact and accessible via most social media platforms. Amy Eden is a 'new age' Councillor and she will be tough to beat in any position.
Amy Eden is well recognised for her leadership and commitment to the community. She has won the Australian Institute of Management Cairns Community Leader (2017) award, the Cairns Business Women’s Club Volunteer of the Year (2017) award and was a finalist of Cairns Regional Council’s 2019 Citizen of the Year awards. Committed to working in the community, Amy has volunteered countless hours to establish and support the Manoora Community Garden (view Amy's TEDx talk) and the positive movement project, 3MPride.
Division 5 Councillor Amy Eden represents the areas of Cairns city, Cairns North, Portsmith, Westcourt, Parramatta Park, Aeroglen, Bungalow and part of Manunda. It also includes Green Island.
Cairns Councillor Amy Eden is the most active Councillor in terms of getting out and about within the community, speaking with and engaging with locals, she is also the easiest to contact and accessible via most social media platforms. Amy Eden is a 'new age' Councillor and she will be tough to beat in any position.
Amy Eden is well recognised for her leadership and commitment to the community. She has won the Australian Institute of Management Cairns Community Leader (2017) award, the Cairns Business Women’s Club Volunteer of the Year (2017) award and was a finalist of Cairns Regional Council’s 2019 Citizen of the Year awards. Committed to working in the community, Amy has volunteered countless hours to establish and support the Manoora Community Garden (view Amy's TEDx talk) and the positive movement project, 3MPride.
Division 5 Councillor Amy Eden represents the areas of Cairns city, Cairns North, Portsmith, Westcourt, Parramatta Park, Aeroglen, Bungalow and part of Manunda. It also includes Green Island.
Division 2 Candidate Kesa Strieby (Team Eden)
Kesa Strieby moved to Cairns from Jordan with her husband in 2007, establishing the Fiji Community Association in 2008. In 2022, Kesa Strieby became the Cairns Regional Council Woman of the Year at Cairns Regional Council’s International Women’s Day event.
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 moved to Cairns from Jordan with her husband in 2007, establishing the Fiji Community Association in 2008. In 2022, Kesa Strieby became the Cairns Regional Council Woman of the Year at Cairns Regional Council’s International Women’s Day event.
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.
Division 4 Candidate Trevor Tim (Team Eden)
Trevor Tim has spent 45 years living in Cairns and has deep roots in the community. Trevor Tim is passionate the community, and sports but he's also a devoted family man, and someone with a wealth of experience in the tourism industry.
Trevor Tim attended the Keeping Kids out of Prisons event alongside Shane Cuthbert who spoke at the event earlier this year. Together, they hope to keep kids out of prisons and block the State Government decision to build a youth detention centre in Edmonton.
Shane Cuthbert says "You know i really wish i was not running against Trevor, i would love to form a NEW Council and sit beside him but unfortunately Amy (Eden) has him running in 4, I'm committed to the election and i'm just going to have to do my best".
Trevor Tim has spent 45 years living in Cairns and has deep roots in the community. Trevor Tim is passionate the community, and sports but he's also a devoted family man, and someone with a wealth of experience in the tourism industry.
Trevor Tim attended the Keeping Kids out of Prisons event alongside Shane Cuthbert who spoke at the event earlier this year. Together, they hope to keep kids out of prisons and block the State Government decision to build a youth detention centre in Edmonton.
Shane Cuthbert says "You know i really wish i was not running against Trevor, i would love to form a NEW Council and sit beside him but unfortunately Amy (Eden) has him running in 4, I'm committed to the election and i'm just going to have to do my best".
Division 5 Candidate Emma Gelling (Team Eden)
Over the past decade, Emma Gelling has owned and managed Blended Hair, and received multiple awards, including the Cairns Business Women’s Club Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017 and the Institute of Managers and Leaders Emerging Leader award.
Over the past decade, Emma Gelling has owned and managed Blended Hair, and received multiple awards, including the Cairns Business Women’s Club Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017 and the Institute of Managers and Leaders Emerging Leader award.
Division 6 Candidate Shane Trimby (Team Eden)
Shane Trimby is a dedicated community member and family man who has called Brinsmead and Redlynch home for the past thirty years. Throughout his career, Shane Trimby has seen significant success, particularly in the local restaurant industry with establishments like “Pearls On The Pier” and “Fox & Firkin.” Additionally, Shane Trimby has served as the chairperson of the ‘Venue Managers Association,’ focusing on reducing alcohol-related crime and violence in the Cairns CBD, leaving a positive impact on the community.
Division 7 Candidate Ian Moller-Neilson (Team Eden)
Ian Moller-Neilson is a dedicated and community-oriented individual with a rich background in education and public service. Ian Moller-Neilson was born in Gordonvale and raised in Little Mulgrave, giving him deep roots in the Cairns region, a true local.
Ian Moller-Neilson has had a long career as a teacher, principal, and staff development leader which reflects his commitment to the community’s well-being and growth.
Ian Moller-Neilson has had a long career as a teacher, principal, and staff development leader which reflects his commitment to the community’s well-being and growth.
Division 8 Candidate Jo Piggott (Team Eden)
Jo Piggott grew up in a multicultural environment and owns a business. Jo Piggott's commitment to Cairns is unwavering, she is dedicated to transparency, accountability, and the overall happiness of my community.
"If you’re seeking a no-nonsense, genuine, and determined community leader, I’m here to serve and make a positive impact. Keep an eye on me" - Jo Piggott.
"If you’re seeking a no-nonsense, genuine, and determined community leader, I’m here to serve and make a positive impact. Keep an eye on me" - Jo Piggott.
Team Eden
Former Unity team player Amy Eden (Mayor Candidate) has announced she will be putting together her own team to challenge the Unity team monopoly. Shane Cuthbert says "there is no room for party politics in local government, Council should have its constituents front and centre of any decisions it makes".
Amy eden plans to contest every Division in the Cairns Region except for Division Three where it is expected she will have the support of current Division 3 Councillor Cathy Zeiger (Independent).
So far, Amy Eden has announced Kesa Streiby (Division 2), Sam Byrd (Division 7) (has since quit team Eden), Trevor Tim (Division 4), Emma Gelling (Division 5), Shane Trimby (Division 6) and Jo Piggott (Division 8).
Video Courtesy Channel 7 News Cairns
Video Courtesy Channel 7 News Cairns

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Division 4 Candidate Shane Cuthbert (Independent)
Shane Cuthbert is the most popular candidate in the Cairns Regional Council Elections according to Google having received National and International media coverage during the election campaign. The increased media attention is something local Cairns Councillors have not received in the past, especially in Division 4.
As at Thursday 23rd November, Shane Cuthbert enjoyed an average 10x more google clicks than any other candidate including both Mayoral Candidates Amy Eden and Terry James, who receive on average 70+ google quiries per month compared to Cuthbert's 790+ AS SEEN ON
As at Thursday 23rd November, Shane Cuthbert enjoyed an average 10x more google clicks than any other candidate including both Mayoral Candidates Amy Eden and Terry James, who receive on average 70+ google quiries per month compared to Cuthbert's 790+ AS SEEN ON
Over the last four years, Shane Cuthbert 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 last 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.
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.
Speaking publicly at the St Vincent De Paul Societies CEO Sleepout and Lifeline's Out of the Shadows, suicide prevention events last 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.
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.
Recently, Councillor Rob Pyne critisized the Council appointment of Division 4 Councillor Terry James as Mayor following the resignation of former Mayor Bob Manning without a by-election.

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Division 9 Councillor Brett Olds has put his hand up to become interim Mayor over the next three months in order to prevent a Unity team majority boost in the polls come elections in March.
Current Division 2 Councillor Rob Pyne says a caretaker Mayor should be appointed for the next three months, someone who is not running as a potential Mayor in fairness. He says, the appointment of Terry James as Mayor would be an unfair advantage for the Unity team to have.
Current Division 2 Councillor Rob Pyne says a caretaker Mayor should be appointed for the next three months, someone who is not running as a potential Mayor in fairness. He says, the appointment of Terry James as Mayor would be an unfair advantage for the Unity team to have.