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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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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+
In 2019 during COVID-19, Shane Cuthbert assisted The Salvation Army, Anglicare and Cairns Helpers Helping Those In Quarantine, receiving and distributing donated items of food and toiletries across Cairns. As Cairns Helpers Helping those in Quarantine organisers had family members with immune deficiencies, and could no longer continue accepting donations Shane opened up his business, to be used as a food ’drop off’ point where canned goods and toiletries were carefully sought into ‘care packages’ for delivery across Cairns where Shane Cuthbert personally delivered many ‘care packages’ to the most vulnerable, elderly, at risk and immune compromised families in Cairns.
In 2020, after discussing possible solutions and alternatives to youth crime issues with Cairns MP Michael Healy, Shane Cuthbert established the 'change the world foundation', which advocates for youth in Cairns, applying for the Queensland Government Community Partnerships grant to establish a 24-hour youth centre in Cairns, that aims to minimise youth crime whilst providing a safe place for at risk, vulnerable youth at night, access to clothing, bedding and food whilst also providing mentorship and guidance to young offenders currently before the legal system in various capacities.
As a representative of the Business and Law faculty of CQU, Shane Cuthbert was invited to visit schools and community organisations in Rockhampton to present the LawToks project, to young people identified as ‘at high risk’ of police interactions. CQU’s involvement in the project was requested by the Durumbul Youth Network in collaboration with Child Safety and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Community Leaders in Rockhampton, following community consultations in 2020. Shane Cuthbert was the only law student from CQU involved, and his legal advice was relied upon by CQU drama students who created short, fun and engaging videos depicting ‘real life’ scenarios in order to better educate young people about their rights and responsibilities when dealing with police. A project supported by Cairns MP Michael Healy. AS SEEN ON
In 2020, after discussing possible solutions and alternatives to youth crime issues with Cairns MP Michael Healy, Shane Cuthbert established the 'change the world foundation', which advocates for youth in Cairns, applying for the Queensland Government Community Partnerships grant to establish a 24-hour youth centre in Cairns, that aims to minimise youth crime whilst providing a safe place for at risk, vulnerable youth at night, access to clothing, bedding and food whilst also providing mentorship and guidance to young offenders currently before the legal system in various capacities.
As a representative of the Business and Law faculty of CQU, Shane Cuthbert was invited to visit schools and community organisations in Rockhampton to present the LawToks project, to young people identified as ‘at high risk’ of police interactions. CQU’s involvement in the project was requested by the Durumbul Youth Network in collaboration with Child Safety and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Community Leaders in Rockhampton, following community consultations in 2020. Shane Cuthbert was the only law student from CQU involved, and his legal advice was relied upon by CQU drama students who created short, fun and engaging videos depicting ‘real life’ scenarios in order to better educate young people about their rights and responsibilities when dealing with police. A project supported by Cairns MP Michael Healy. AS SEEN ON
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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.
Homelessness is something Shane Cuthbert understands all too well, as someone who has been homeless and in 2018, homeless in Cairns. Shane remembers his experiences very clearly, catching Dengue Fever after spending the night sleeping at Muddy's playground on the esplanade after being told by staff at the Cairns Emergency Department 'you can't sleep here' and spending a few nights in the skatepark, experiences he shared speaking at last years Vinnies CEO community Sleepout.
Division 4 Candidate Shane Cuthbert was eventually supported by community organisations and facilities such as OzCare and the Quigley St homeless shelter (now in disrepair) and would like to see more investment into social housing at the local level. Shane Cuthbert can relate to those whom have been forced onto the streets, through no fault of their own and was part of an Inter-University team, that last year developed a prototype app, addressing the needs of those doing it tough.
Huge thanks to Isaac at Art Life Films for taking the time to document this event and putting this video together to help Shane Cuthbert raise awareness around this issue, effecting thousands of Australians.
Division 4 Candidate Shane Cuthbert was eventually supported by community organisations and facilities such as OzCare and the Quigley St homeless shelter (now in disrepair) and would like to see more investment into social housing at the local level. Shane Cuthbert can relate to those whom have been forced onto the streets, through no fault of their own and was part of an Inter-University team, that last year developed a prototype app, addressing the needs of those doing it tough.
Huge thanks to Isaac at Art Life Films for taking the time to document this event and putting this video together to help Shane Cuthbert raise awareness around this issue, effecting thousands of Australians.
Current Division Four Councillor Terry James (Deputy Mayor)
Division Four Councillor Terry James. Cairns Councillor Terry James is one of the least vocal in Council meetings and across social issues however, having served on Cairns Regional Council 1999-2008 (when Division 2 Councillor won an election against him in Division 3) and again from 2012 to Current and previously on Cairns City Council 1994-1995.
Divison 4 Councillor Terry James represents the areas of Earlville, Kanimbla and Mooroobool, and parts of Manoora and Manunda. It is expected that as Deputy Mayor and member of the Cairns Unity team, Terry James will run for the position of Cairns Regional Council Mayor 2024, being the most experienced Cairns Council incumbents.
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.
Having spent 30 years working in the tourism sector and hosting the “National Talkblack” program on radio, he has had the privilege of engaging with and empowering the Cairns indigenous community. Through his “Success with Attitude” motivational speaking business, he's travelled inspired youth nationwide for more than two decades.
Trevor Tim says his run for Division 4 in the upcoming local government elections is rooted in "my profound commitment to our community and a genuine desire to represent their interests. I’m not here just to represent; I want to form a true partnership with the community".
"My goal is to listen, understand, and work collaboratively to find solutions for the needs of Division 4. I hope to be the candidate who can drive progress and empower our community in the most effective way" - Trevor Tim
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".
Jeremy Neal (Team Unity)
Jeremy Neal has been a paramedic for more than 15 years and now manages the Gordonvale station since arriving from the Tablelands five years ago.
Jeremy Neal is probably the weakest Unity Team candidate running in the upcoming election. Jeremy Neal does not have a profile and is not very well known in the Cairns community, since nominating and announcing his candidacy, he has done very little.
Running mate for Division 4 Shane Cuthbert reached out to Jeremy to congratulate him on his nomination and was ignored. Shane Cuthbert says "I sent Jeremy Neal a message and said congrats mate, look forward to shaking hands, i'm sure we will be seeing a lot of each other during the campaign and that i didn't want any hard feelings between us as we both advocate to make the community better and he blocked me, i just thought this guy's a tosser and an asshole".