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Early Years
Shane Cuthbert was born in the Hawkesbury region of Sydney, Australia in 1990 excelling acedemically in school recieving many awards however, his schooling was interrupted in 1997 due to a significant playground injury. An almost fatal incident, he was rushed to hospital where after intensive 'limb saving' operations he would become addicted to morphine and spend several weeks in hospital and away from school recovering.
Shane Cuthbert struggled, fitting back into the routines other students were expected to follow and was trialled on many medications, taking part in an international study and medical testing. in 1999, Shane attended Redbank House, where since the late 1970s the New South Wales Department of Education and Health provided tertiary assessments and treatments for children, adolescents and their families experiencing severe, complex and treatment resistant mental health problems and disorders. It is currently located on the Westmead Hospital campus.
Returning to 'normal schooling' was difficult for Shane, after spending almost three years outside of the public school system. A family breakup, childhood depression and addiction, traumatic experiences and exposure to childhood sexual abuse at an early age contributed to the development of maladaptive coping skills and an increase in risk taking behaviours. Shane's mother decided homeschooling would be best for Shane. Homeschooled until In 2008, he was enrolled into Blacktown Boys highschool where from day one, Shane stood out amongst his peers, amused with his pranks (which often got him into trouble), charisma and confidence. The Rockstar
Shane's mother bought him a drum set for his 7th birthday and his love and passion for drumming and music kept him out of trouble later in life. Shane's mothers home became a drop in centre and rehearsal space for local kids and Shane's first band. Easy Way Out couldnt get any real shows, they had no management, or record labels but, at the age of 14, Shane went to the local council to hire a hall, forged his parents signatures on the paperwork and used his savings to pay the bond, so they could play, and play they did. They asked more established local bands (Heroes for Hire) to play and they charged kids an entry fee, making a thousand dollars running a business and finally playing to an audience.
Easy Way Out didn't become hit makers but, it opened doors for Shane and his best friend Jye (Capture the Crown) who later became successful musicians, In 2005, Shane was asked to fill in for another drummer and went on his first National Australian tour at the age of 15, being able to experience life on the road at a young age, performing on the radio and in some of Australia's biggest clubs, venues and a stadium. Through well established connections in the music industry and a close relationship with band mate Skip Tailor, Shane was able to work with, tour with and/or meet artists such as P!nk, The Used, New Found Glory, Linkin Park, Metallica, The Jacksons and many others. Skip's dad worked with AC/DC, INXS and for Michael Coppel as a tour manager for Blink-182. Offending and Addiction In 2009 however, life as a musician was not working out, dropped from a major label and having attempted (unsuccessfully) to establish new bands, the dream was dead. Shane experienced severe depression, in part due to the failure he experienced but also due to childhood trauma, having never dealt with those demons in the past. Shane was arrested and sentenced by Division 8 Candidate and former Magistrate Pat O'Shane, in 2009 over an affray that occurred between him and his brother, followed by convictions for maliscious damage, failing to appear, breach of bail, behaving in an offensive manner in public and was even caught and charged trying to board a flight under the name 'Kermit Frog' reported by the Cairns Post. Shane hit rock bottom and in 2012, appeared in the Parramatta Court wearing a clown costume, charged with damaging the side mirror of a taxi (found not guilty). For additional information CLICK HERE The Entreprenuer Shane was fairly well known in Sydney's local music scene and was offered an opportunity to promote HotDamn!, SFX and Killer nightclubs. Whilst promoting clubs at night, Shane attended a business course with his best friend Jye by day and together they started a small in-home recording studio, In addition to mowing lawns. Shane and his business partner eventually agreed to split, as both businesses grew. Shane rebranded Luxurious Lawns as The Garden Guys, quickly becoming one of the top lawn mowing and maintenance services in Sydney. As The Garden Guys success was limited, and the profit margins not enough to expand quickly, Shane began offering landscaping services, obtaining contracts with major Sydney builders and expanded further. The Guys Group, established in 2012 later provided franchising opportunities across Australia and Shane was called 'the next Jim Penman' by organisers of the Sydney franchising expo.
In 2012 Shane launched State Of Glory, an online entertainment website that included image galleries and video content. In 2013 shane launched State Of Glory clothing and began monetising the site advertising or endorsements, selling only his own state of glory branded merchandise and products with the site peaking in 2014 with a daily visitor count of over 5000. For additional information CLICK HERE Controversy
In 2015, Shane married Australian swimsuit model and public figure Berenger Rose. Shortly afterwards Rose made very public allegations of domestic abuse however no charges relating to these allegations were brought by the police following intense media scrutiny and investigation. Shane and Berenger Rose remained together, in a relationship until finalising a divorce in 2019. During the relationship, Shane spent six months in custody for offences relating to drink driving, evade police, obstructing police, trespassing and breach of bail where he experienced extreme trauma. He was also charged with detonating an explosive device at a Bowen Motel on Christmas Eve and received a $2000 fine over the blast that rocked the small town. Shane's TikTok account, where he shares some of his personal experiences within the prison and justice systems has accumulated millions of video views. On a number of occassions, The Queensland Parliament has invited Shane Cuthbert to speak with MPs and share his personal insight with committees on various issues affecting Queenslanders such as youth crime. Shane Cuthbert, a former member of the Australian Labor Party (state of Queensland) was removed from the party due to these prior allegations in 2022. Shane says he was unfairly discriminated against becuse of media articles and the claims made by media outlets that did not result in charges nor convictions. Shane Cuthbert took Australia's longest running and largest political party to the Supreme Court over the dismissal, followed by the Court of Appeal. Shane Cuthbert has now taken the matter all the way to the High Court of Australia. In 2023, Shane Cuthbert was excluded from the Queensland Parliamentary sitting and threatened with arrest for an attempt to enter. Nevertheless, this controversy has not prevented Shane Cuthbert from advocating for Queenslanders, being invited to speak to various Parliamentary Committees and Inquiries regarding the decriminilisation of public offences and support provided to victims of crime. Shane told the Victims of Crime committee that "victims, when not given adequate support may become perpetrators, we see this in the domestic violence and youth crime spaces". The Student
In 2018 Shane completed contract law and justice through Harvard University online via EdX and began a double law and psychology degree at Central Queensland University where he is currently President of the CQU Law Society and Treasurer of the CQU Social Innovation Network. Shane created Domestic Violence Anonymous, a Men's group focusing on relationship issues and supporting male victims and perpetrators of domestic violence, providing advice and guidance. Men meet regularly in safe, judgement free environments where they talk about thier issues, much like AA and NA groups do around the world regarding alcohol and drug addictions. For additional information CLICK HERE The Author Shane Cuthbert has successfully published a wide range of titles available as eBooks, audiobooks, hard and soft covers in more than 84 countries worldwide, donating one hundred percent of all eBook proceeds to charity.
In early 2020 Shane decided more needed to be done to change the world and decided to take on the mammoth task of writing 17 books, these 17 books that would each correspond to and support, a unique United Nations global goal.
100 percent of the proceeds of these eBooks will be donated to a cause in line with the global goals. Some of these causes provide bricks and building materials to local communities building schools in Cambodia, clean drinking water to students in Zambia, clothing for young girls rescued from sex trafficking in India and provide shelter for homeless children in Vietnam.
By May 2020 Shane had released 17 new eBooks through Scribd, ChirpBooks, Amazon Kindle, Booktopia, SmashWords, Kobo, Walmart, Angus & Robertson, Barnes & Noble, LuLu, Apple Books and Google Play. Following the release of these titles, Shane Cuthbert began offering self help courses and programs, helping individuals across the globe with a range of issues. The Volunteer Philanthropist
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 personally delivered many ‘care packages’ to the most vulnerable, elderly, at risk and immune compromised families in Cairns. 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. For additional information CLICK HERE The Community Leader
Over the last four years, Shane 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 this year, Shane says that "through volunteering, individuals have the power to help themselves whilst helping others", a powerful statement. Shane Cuthbert established the 'Change the World' Foundation and has shown a long term 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. Shane is a regular guest on national and international talk shows, programs and podcasts, sharing his experiences and insights with the community. Cairns Regional Council Election 2024 In 2020, shortly after the last local elections were held in Queensland, former MP Rob Pyne asked to consider running in the 2024 elections. Shane Cuthbert is the ONLY candidate to have spent 18 months attending local Council meetings to ensure that he is up to date and across the issues of Council and stands for Youth Crime and Justice Reform, the Environment and Community, Housing, Accountability, Transparency and Accessability. Shane runs alongside Former Magistrate Pat O'Shane and Former MP Rob Pyne. Australian Free to Air television companies SBS and NITV jointly aired a documentary covering the life of Pat O'Shane and other trailblazers as part of the 'Rebel with a Cause' series in 2023. Shane Cuthbert is credited as appearing in the documentary alongside Pat O'Shane, the Magistrate who once sentenced him. Shane Cuthbert and Pat O'Shane have joined forces to share their perspectives on the criminal justice and judicial systems in Australia and to support reform in these space. Controversial Candidate During the Shane Cuthbert Division 4 Council run, Australian and International media ran stories about the placement of a Nazi flag in the background of one of Mr Cuthbert's videos. The videos were uploaded in 2019 (now removed) and discussed the changing roles of men and women and informative self-help content. The videos were referred to by Channel 7 following a dispute between Mr Cuthbert and his expulsion from the Australian Labor Party (State of Queensland) but was later revisited following the announcement by Shane Cuthbert that he would be running for the Division 4 Council Position. The Cairns Post also published a front page article following Councillor Rob Pyne and Shane Cuthbert receiving a warning letter from the State's electoral body, the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ).The ECQ warned both Mr Cuthbert and Councillor Rob Pyne over election material that suggests the pair were running as a group with Pat O'Shane AM, without registering as a group. Mr Cuthbert received an additional warning from the ECQ regarding his election magazine. The Cairns Post later ran a series of articles on Shane Cuthbert and his association with 'bikies' and organised crime groups as well as his election commitments. In December, the Cairns Regional Council voted to appoint a new Division 4 Councillor following the election of current Division 4 Councillor Terry James to the position of Mayor. When there is a vacancy less than 12 months out from an election period, Council is required to appoint a Division 4 Councillor as opposed to running a by-election under the Local Government Act. Mr Cuthbert applied for this caretaker position however, despite a petition with more than 400 signatures, he was unsuccessful. Shane Cuthbert recieved 16.5% of the primary vote in Division 4 and his preferences were used to promote Trevor Tim to the role of Division 4 Councillor. Trevor Tim is the first indigenous representative on the Cairns Regional Council. Channel 9 News ran coverage of Shane Cuthbert's election on election night and A Current Affair returned for a follow up to thier 2022 segment which aired across Australia, the night before election and claimed Shane Cuthbert was a 'neighbour from hell'. If elected, Shane Cuthbert would have been the first former criminal of any level of Government in Australia to be elected. Post Cairns Regional Council Election Following the Cairns Regional Council Election, Shane Cuthbert has continued advocating for change in Cairns, spending 2-3 nights per week in the Cairns CBD with some of Cairns most disadvantaged, vulnerable and criminilised kids, supported local businesswoman Perri Conti and the establishment of a youth hub and made suggestions to the Cairns Regional Council in regards to alternative responses to crime and the re-activation of the Cairns CBD. Shane Cuthbert graduated law and Psychology in April, following the Cairns Regional Council election and began his Practical Legal Training with the College of Law. The Cairns Post ran a story about Shane Cuthbert being a 'no show' in Court. News highlighted Mr Cuthbert had previously attended Court in a clown costume. Cairns State Election 2024 In August, Shane Cuthbert announced he will contest the Queensland State Election seat of Cairns. Shane Cuthbert announced that his campaign would be focused on 'youth crime'. He kicked off his campaign requesting the major parties 'put politics aside' and contribute to a Mission Australia Social Housing project on Cairns McLeod Street. Shane Cuthbert will appear 5th on the Cairns State Election Ballot. Three weeks out from the October 26 Cairns State Election and 12 years on from his INFAMOUS appearance in a clown costume, Shane Cuthbert donned the colourful costume again, this time, for the protection of children, particularly those vulnerable, disadvantaged and at-risk children who have been criminilised in the systems. The Cairns Post reported that Cuthbert was running a campaign addressing youth crime and 'Making Cairns Safe Again', whilst Cairns Local News reported that during the Cairns Chamber of Commerce x TTNQ debate and luncheon, Cuthbert pledged to donate his entire $189,505 dollar paycheck to charity if elected and that he would be addressing Domestic Violence which accounted for 51% of all crime. Pre Polling began on the 14th October 2024. State Election Campaign Controversy During the Queensland State Election, Shane Cuthbert was allegedly extorted by a former friend who released audio recordings of which, Shane Cuthbert was alleged to have been a participant. The recordings refer to extensive criminal activities such as the distribution of firearms, drug trafficking, supply and proceeds of crime between major organised crime groups, outlaw motorcycle clubs and underworld figures. The recordings also alledge Shane Cuthbert was a high level Police informant who had successfully managed to form close relationships with current and former politicians, Magistrates, Judges and Community Leaders. Copies of these recordings were posted to Youtube, TikTok, Reddit, Facebook and Instagram where some recieved millions of views. As a State Election Candidate, the Queensland Police and in particular, the Criminal Investigation Branch took considerable actions and measures to keep the candidate safe, providing protection during election week and the Cairns Election Candidate confirms he was asked by the Queensland Police to 'seriously consider witness protection' however, he has so far refused. On election day, the Queensland Police organised a combination of high visibility 'marked' Police vehicles and undercover officers to escort him to vote, in conjuction with the Electoral Commission of Queensland Security Team. Julie Cavanagh, Executive Director of the ECQ Election Event Management team made a request that Cuthbert 'not advertise his wherabouts and election day voting arrangements through media', following advice from the Queensland Police Service over the threat to life and safety of staff. Due to the increased security risk, the State Election Candidate for Cairns was unable to attend pre-polling stations, hand out how-to-vote cards or be seen in public on election day, seriously impacting on his ability to engage with voters and obtain a greater vote share. Cuthbert says he did not employ volunteers due to the 'safety concerns'. It is understood journalists at the Cairns Post have had a series of publications rejected due to legal issues in recent weeks with Channel 9 program 'A Current Affair' also placing their latest publication in a 'holding pattern' until further notice.
Returning to 'normal schooling' was difficult for Shane, after spending almost three years outside of the public school system. A family breakup, childhood depression and addiction, traumatic experiences and exposure to childhood sexual abuse at an early age contributed to the development of maladaptive coping skills and an increase in risk taking behaviours. Shane's mother decided homeschooling would be best for Shane. Homeschooled until In 2008, he was enrolled into Blacktown Boys highschool where from day one, Shane stood out amongst his peers, amused with his pranks (which often got him into trouble), charisma and confidence. The Rockstar
Shane's mother bought him a drum set for his 7th birthday and his love and passion for drumming and music kept him out of trouble later in life. Shane's mothers home became a drop in centre and rehearsal space for local kids and Shane's first band. Easy Way Out couldnt get any real shows, they had no management, or record labels but, at the age of 14, Shane went to the local council to hire a hall, forged his parents signatures on the paperwork and used his savings to pay the bond, so they could play, and play they did. They asked more established local bands (Heroes for Hire) to play and they charged kids an entry fee, making a thousand dollars running a business and finally playing to an audience.
Easy Way Out didn't become hit makers but, it opened doors for Shane and his best friend Jye (Capture the Crown) who later became successful musicians, In 2005, Shane was asked to fill in for another drummer and went on his first National Australian tour at the age of 15, being able to experience life on the road at a young age, performing on the radio and in some of Australia's biggest clubs, venues and a stadium. Through well established connections in the music industry and a close relationship with band mate Skip Tailor, Shane was able to work with, tour with and/or meet artists such as P!nk, The Used, New Found Glory, Linkin Park, Metallica, The Jacksons and many others. Skip's dad worked with AC/DC, INXS and for Michael Coppel as a tour manager for Blink-182. Offending and Addiction In 2009 however, life as a musician was not working out, dropped from a major label and having attempted (unsuccessfully) to establish new bands, the dream was dead. Shane experienced severe depression, in part due to the failure he experienced but also due to childhood trauma, having never dealt with those demons in the past. Shane was arrested and sentenced by Division 8 Candidate and former Magistrate Pat O'Shane, in 2009 over an affray that occurred between him and his brother, followed by convictions for maliscious damage, failing to appear, breach of bail, behaving in an offensive manner in public and was even caught and charged trying to board a flight under the name 'Kermit Frog' reported by the Cairns Post. Shane hit rock bottom and in 2012, appeared in the Parramatta Court wearing a clown costume, charged with damaging the side mirror of a taxi (found not guilty). For additional information CLICK HERE The Entreprenuer Shane was fairly well known in Sydney's local music scene and was offered an opportunity to promote HotDamn!, SFX and Killer nightclubs. Whilst promoting clubs at night, Shane attended a business course with his best friend Jye by day and together they started a small in-home recording studio, In addition to mowing lawns. Shane and his business partner eventually agreed to split, as both businesses grew. Shane rebranded Luxurious Lawns as The Garden Guys, quickly becoming one of the top lawn mowing and maintenance services in Sydney. As The Garden Guys success was limited, and the profit margins not enough to expand quickly, Shane began offering landscaping services, obtaining contracts with major Sydney builders and expanded further. The Guys Group, established in 2012 later provided franchising opportunities across Australia and Shane was called 'the next Jim Penman' by organisers of the Sydney franchising expo.
In 2012 Shane launched State Of Glory, an online entertainment website that included image galleries and video content. In 2013 shane launched State Of Glory clothing and began monetising the site advertising or endorsements, selling only his own state of glory branded merchandise and products with the site peaking in 2014 with a daily visitor count of over 5000. For additional information CLICK HERE Controversy
In 2015, Shane married Australian swimsuit model and public figure Berenger Rose. Shortly afterwards Rose made very public allegations of domestic abuse however no charges relating to these allegations were brought by the police following intense media scrutiny and investigation. Shane and Berenger Rose remained together, in a relationship until finalising a divorce in 2019. During the relationship, Shane spent six months in custody for offences relating to drink driving, evade police, obstructing police, trespassing and breach of bail where he experienced extreme trauma. He was also charged with detonating an explosive device at a Bowen Motel on Christmas Eve and received a $2000 fine over the blast that rocked the small town. Shane's TikTok account, where he shares some of his personal experiences within the prison and justice systems has accumulated millions of video views. On a number of occassions, The Queensland Parliament has invited Shane Cuthbert to speak with MPs and share his personal insight with committees on various issues affecting Queenslanders such as youth crime. Shane Cuthbert, a former member of the Australian Labor Party (state of Queensland) was removed from the party due to these prior allegations in 2022. Shane says he was unfairly discriminated against becuse of media articles and the claims made by media outlets that did not result in charges nor convictions. Shane Cuthbert took Australia's longest running and largest political party to the Supreme Court over the dismissal, followed by the Court of Appeal. Shane Cuthbert has now taken the matter all the way to the High Court of Australia. In 2023, Shane Cuthbert was excluded from the Queensland Parliamentary sitting and threatened with arrest for an attempt to enter. Nevertheless, this controversy has not prevented Shane Cuthbert from advocating for Queenslanders, being invited to speak to various Parliamentary Committees and Inquiries regarding the decriminilisation of public offences and support provided to victims of crime. Shane told the Victims of Crime committee that "victims, when not given adequate support may become perpetrators, we see this in the domestic violence and youth crime spaces". The Student
In 2018 Shane completed contract law and justice through Harvard University online via EdX and began a double law and psychology degree at Central Queensland University where he is currently President of the CQU Law Society and Treasurer of the CQU Social Innovation Network. Shane created Domestic Violence Anonymous, a Men's group focusing on relationship issues and supporting male victims and perpetrators of domestic violence, providing advice and guidance. Men meet regularly in safe, judgement free environments where they talk about thier issues, much like AA and NA groups do around the world regarding alcohol and drug addictions. For additional information CLICK HERE The Author Shane Cuthbert has successfully published a wide range of titles available as eBooks, audiobooks, hard and soft covers in more than 84 countries worldwide, donating one hundred percent of all eBook proceeds to charity.
In early 2020 Shane decided more needed to be done to change the world and decided to take on the mammoth task of writing 17 books, these 17 books that would each correspond to and support, a unique United Nations global goal.
100 percent of the proceeds of these eBooks will be donated to a cause in line with the global goals. Some of these causes provide bricks and building materials to local communities building schools in Cambodia, clean drinking water to students in Zambia, clothing for young girls rescued from sex trafficking in India and provide shelter for homeless children in Vietnam.
By May 2020 Shane had released 17 new eBooks through Scribd, ChirpBooks, Amazon Kindle, Booktopia, SmashWords, Kobo, Walmart, Angus & Robertson, Barnes & Noble, LuLu, Apple Books and Google Play. Following the release of these titles, Shane Cuthbert began offering self help courses and programs, helping individuals across the globe with a range of issues. The Volunteer Philanthropist
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 personally delivered many ‘care packages’ to the most vulnerable, elderly, at risk and immune compromised families in Cairns. 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. For additional information CLICK HERE The Community Leader
Over the last four years, Shane 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 this year, Shane says that "through volunteering, individuals have the power to help themselves whilst helping others", a powerful statement. Shane Cuthbert established the 'Change the World' Foundation and has shown a long term 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. Shane is a regular guest on national and international talk shows, programs and podcasts, sharing his experiences and insights with the community. Cairns Regional Council Election 2024 In 2020, shortly after the last local elections were held in Queensland, former MP Rob Pyne asked to consider running in the 2024 elections. Shane Cuthbert is the ONLY candidate to have spent 18 months attending local Council meetings to ensure that he is up to date and across the issues of Council and stands for Youth Crime and Justice Reform, the Environment and Community, Housing, Accountability, Transparency and Accessability. Shane runs alongside Former Magistrate Pat O'Shane and Former MP Rob Pyne. Australian Free to Air television companies SBS and NITV jointly aired a documentary covering the life of Pat O'Shane and other trailblazers as part of the 'Rebel with a Cause' series in 2023. Shane Cuthbert is credited as appearing in the documentary alongside Pat O'Shane, the Magistrate who once sentenced him. Shane Cuthbert and Pat O'Shane have joined forces to share their perspectives on the criminal justice and judicial systems in Australia and to support reform in these space. Controversial Candidate During the Shane Cuthbert Division 4 Council run, Australian and International media ran stories about the placement of a Nazi flag in the background of one of Mr Cuthbert's videos. The videos were uploaded in 2019 (now removed) and discussed the changing roles of men and women and informative self-help content. The videos were referred to by Channel 7 following a dispute between Mr Cuthbert and his expulsion from the Australian Labor Party (State of Queensland) but was later revisited following the announcement by Shane Cuthbert that he would be running for the Division 4 Council Position. The Cairns Post also published a front page article following Councillor Rob Pyne and Shane Cuthbert receiving a warning letter from the State's electoral body, the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ).The ECQ warned both Mr Cuthbert and Councillor Rob Pyne over election material that suggests the pair were running as a group with Pat O'Shane AM, without registering as a group. Mr Cuthbert received an additional warning from the ECQ regarding his election magazine. The Cairns Post later ran a series of articles on Shane Cuthbert and his association with 'bikies' and organised crime groups as well as his election commitments. In December, the Cairns Regional Council voted to appoint a new Division 4 Councillor following the election of current Division 4 Councillor Terry James to the position of Mayor. When there is a vacancy less than 12 months out from an election period, Council is required to appoint a Division 4 Councillor as opposed to running a by-election under the Local Government Act. Mr Cuthbert applied for this caretaker position however, despite a petition with more than 400 signatures, he was unsuccessful. Shane Cuthbert recieved 16.5% of the primary vote in Division 4 and his preferences were used to promote Trevor Tim to the role of Division 4 Councillor. Trevor Tim is the first indigenous representative on the Cairns Regional Council. Channel 9 News ran coverage of Shane Cuthbert's election on election night and A Current Affair returned for a follow up to thier 2022 segment which aired across Australia, the night before election and claimed Shane Cuthbert was a 'neighbour from hell'. If elected, Shane Cuthbert would have been the first former criminal of any level of Government in Australia to be elected. Post Cairns Regional Council Election Following the Cairns Regional Council Election, Shane Cuthbert has continued advocating for change in Cairns, spending 2-3 nights per week in the Cairns CBD with some of Cairns most disadvantaged, vulnerable and criminilised kids, supported local businesswoman Perri Conti and the establishment of a youth hub and made suggestions to the Cairns Regional Council in regards to alternative responses to crime and the re-activation of the Cairns CBD. Shane Cuthbert graduated law and Psychology in April, following the Cairns Regional Council election and began his Practical Legal Training with the College of Law. The Cairns Post ran a story about Shane Cuthbert being a 'no show' in Court. News highlighted Mr Cuthbert had previously attended Court in a clown costume. Cairns State Election 2024 In August, Shane Cuthbert announced he will contest the Queensland State Election seat of Cairns. Shane Cuthbert announced that his campaign would be focused on 'youth crime'. He kicked off his campaign requesting the major parties 'put politics aside' and contribute to a Mission Australia Social Housing project on Cairns McLeod Street. Shane Cuthbert will appear 5th on the Cairns State Election Ballot. Three weeks out from the October 26 Cairns State Election and 12 years on from his INFAMOUS appearance in a clown costume, Shane Cuthbert donned the colourful costume again, this time, for the protection of children, particularly those vulnerable, disadvantaged and at-risk children who have been criminilised in the systems. The Cairns Post reported that Cuthbert was running a campaign addressing youth crime and 'Making Cairns Safe Again', whilst Cairns Local News reported that during the Cairns Chamber of Commerce x TTNQ debate and luncheon, Cuthbert pledged to donate his entire $189,505 dollar paycheck to charity if elected and that he would be addressing Domestic Violence which accounted for 51% of all crime. Pre Polling began on the 14th October 2024. State Election Campaign Controversy During the Queensland State Election, Shane Cuthbert was allegedly extorted by a former friend who released audio recordings of which, Shane Cuthbert was alleged to have been a participant. The recordings refer to extensive criminal activities such as the distribution of firearms, drug trafficking, supply and proceeds of crime between major organised crime groups, outlaw motorcycle clubs and underworld figures. The recordings also alledge Shane Cuthbert was a high level Police informant who had successfully managed to form close relationships with current and former politicians, Magistrates, Judges and Community Leaders. Copies of these recordings were posted to Youtube, TikTok, Reddit, Facebook and Instagram where some recieved millions of views. As a State Election Candidate, the Queensland Police and in particular, the Criminal Investigation Branch took considerable actions and measures to keep the candidate safe, providing protection during election week and the Cairns Election Candidate confirms he was asked by the Queensland Police to 'seriously consider witness protection' however, he has so far refused. On election day, the Queensland Police organised a combination of high visibility 'marked' Police vehicles and undercover officers to escort him to vote, in conjuction with the Electoral Commission of Queensland Security Team. Julie Cavanagh, Executive Director of the ECQ Election Event Management team made a request that Cuthbert 'not advertise his wherabouts and election day voting arrangements through media', following advice from the Queensland Police Service over the threat to life and safety of staff. Due to the increased security risk, the State Election Candidate for Cairns was unable to attend pre-polling stations, hand out how-to-vote cards or be seen in public on election day, seriously impacting on his ability to engage with voters and obtain a greater vote share. Cuthbert says he did not employ volunteers due to the 'safety concerns'. It is understood journalists at the Cairns Post have had a series of publications rejected due to legal issues in recent weeks with Channel 9 program 'A Current Affair' also placing their latest publication in a 'holding pattern' until further notice.
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