February 1, 2016
Well-known Blackbutt country music singer and former policeman Wayne Browning is the fifth candidate to announce they intend to stand for Division 2 at the upcoming South Burnett council election.
Division 2 covers Blackbutt, Benarkin, Maidenwell and parts of South Nanango. It is currently held by Cr Deb Palmer, who is not re-standing at the March 19 election.
Mr Browning formerly served on Nanango Shire Council from 2006-08, winning the by-election that was held when long-term Blackbutt councillor Kev Allery (father of Cr Palmer) died.
Mr Browning and his wife Jeanette (nee Bochmann) both come from a dairying background; his parents farmed near Wolvi while her parents were farming at South Nanango.
He joined the police service in 1967, serving his three months probation at Proston. He then served at 16 locations throughout Queensland, including Kingaroy, Cloncurry, Woorabinda and the Brisbane CIB. He retired in Toowoomba.
The couple now runs cattle and sheep on their 250 acre property at Taromeo and also own a property on the D’Aguilar Highway at South Nanango.
Mr Browning says his time in the police force has given him a lot of experience working with government and councils.
“During my career, I represented the Service on regional inter-agency committees, Community Consultative Committees, road safety, domestic violence, Neighbourhood and School Watch, Youth Club, and Disaster and Emergency Services committees etc,” he said.
“I have a good understanding and admiration for the work of Emergency Services, including volunteer emergency service organisations and other community-based groups.”
Mr Browning said he backed himself on his past performance in his chosen career in the police and in his success in small business.
He served as chairman of directors of the Capricorn Taxi Council, and he and Jeanette also used to buy run-down houses, renovate them and then re-sell them.
“I am not afraid of hard work, and I am prepared to continue that on Council,” he said.
“I have no political affiliation nor do I have any business interests that may have the propensity to impact on my role as a councillor.”
Mr Browning is treasurer of the Blackbutt Golf Club, vice-president of the Taromeo Country Music Club and a former committee member of the Blackbutt / Benarkin Garden Club. He has also volunteered as an entertainer at senior citizen clubs and other events.
As well as playing country music, Mr Browning is also keen on Elvis Presley and has performed successful impersonations at police reunions.
The other candidates so far for Division 2 are: Liz Hollens-Riley, David Kinson, Emeric Charles and Gavin Jones.
