December 7, 2015
Kingaroy businesswoman Debbie Dennien says she has been thinking about running for the South Burnett Regional Council for a while, but has decided now is the time to toss her hat into the ring.
Ms Dennien, who is the Regional Support Officer for Meals On Wheels as well as the owner of the Sasswear boutique in Kingaroy Shoppingworld, intends to nominate for Division 3.
This Division is currently held by Cr Damien Tessmann, who will be vacating it to stand for Mayor at the March 2016 Local Government elections.
“I feel that the things I have done over the years have led me to this type of role as a councillor,” Ms Dennien said.
She has served on the executive of the South Burnett Equestrian Group “on and off” for 30 years and was Zone Secretary for many years.
“I am still on the Pony Clubs Regional Panel for the Burnett,” she said.
Ms Dennien has lived in the South Burnett for 32 years and raised her four children here (“they were all born in Wondai Hospital”).
She originally came to the South Burnett to become an apprentice jockey with Wondai trainer Robin Hartwig; she had formerly ridden trackwork at Rose Hill, Warwick Farm and Ballina in NSW but decided to try out as a jockey when women were first allowed to be licensed.
During her 12 months in the saddle she had 60 rides and brought home 10 winners, including the Nanango Cup.
Ms Dennien said for 15 years she lived on a cattle property at Home Creek, before shifting to Tingoora and Wondai. Thirteen years ago she moved to Kingaroy.
She said had worked for Queensland Meals On Wheels for more than 12 years, which had given her a lot of experience working with volunteers.
Ms Dennien is also kept busy doing the books, wages and stock control for Sasswear, as well as serving as a volunteer on the Kingaroy Christmas Carnival Committee.
During the Equine Influenza scare, she worked for 12 months as a liaison officer with the Queensland DPI, and has been on the Board of the Queensland Horse Council for six years.
Quizzed on Council issues, she nominated roads and rates.
“People’s issues are the roads and rates – they are important to everybody,” she said.
“I also believe we need to support our rural-based economy because although we have some great industry in the region; we are a farming area.
“We also are blessed to have the Bunyas at our door and wonderful wineries.
“There are many travellers who appreciate our beautiful rural setting. Tourism is something we should ensure doesn’t miss us.
“The airport at Wellcamp is going to assist so many aspects of our area in the future and it is giving us access to an even brighter future.”
She said town beautification was also important.
“Council has done a wonderful job in Nanango and Wondai. They look lovely but Kingaroy is looking a little bit tired,” she said.
On the Memerambi Estate, she said she believed Council was doing “a good job in a very difficult situation”.
Mrs Dennien said she hoped Council could find an operator to take over the Private Hospital.
“The mayor has done a great job of chasing it up … but Kingaroy Hospital is chockers.
“If they can’t manage to find an operator, there are a multitude of uses for that building such as aged care or respite care.”
