Jessica Bray - Candidate, Gladstone Regional Council

The final votes have been counted and I wanted to thank everyone who supported my campaign and voted for me. I'm humbled by my final numbers and grateful for this journey! For now, I'll keep on serving our community with a smile. Let's just say, I'm looking forward to 2028! ✨

Congratulations to the elected councillors! Best wishes for your term ahead, and may you all continue to make a positive impact.

Good morning Gladstone Region

The count continues this morning to elect your new Councillors with only Gladstone pre-poll and postal votes left to count.

Soon after the new team are sworn in I will put forward a motion to consider the introduction of Council Divisions (Wards).

While I don't necessarily believe divisions will give better representation across the Region we need to have the conversation with the community and the Electoral Commission of Queensland.

For the first time since amalgamation noone from the Southern part of our Region put their hand up to be on Council.

The informal vote for Baffle Creek was 17.86%, Agnes Water 16.94% and Rosedale 13.92%. While the numbers are low the percentage is too high.

Division boundaries are determined by the Electoral Commission of Queensland based on population.

The introduction of divisions in the Gladstone Region would look something like:

1. Calliope, River Ranch, Yarwun, Targinnie, Mt Larcom, Ambrose, Raglan, Bracewell, Darts Creek, Boyne Valley

2. Clinton, Seaview Heights, Lakeview Estate, Beecher, Burua, Carinya Park

3. New Auckland, Kaleentha Park, Emmadale Park, Kirkwood

4. Kin Kora, Sun Valley, Telina, Toolooa, Glen Eden

5. Gladstone Central, Gladstone South, Gladstone West

6. Boyne Island, Riverstone Rise, Wurdong Heights

7. Tannum Sands, Pacific Ranch, Benaraby

8. Agnes Water, 1770, Captain Creek, Rosedale, Baffle Creek, Deepwater, Lowmead, Miriam Vale, Bororen, Turkey Beach, Iveragh

Facts to consider
Based on a regional population of 65,000 the 8 divisions in the Gladstone Region would each cover a population of approximately 8000 residents.

Regardless of which division a Councillor is elected to, they must represent the entire region in the Council Chambers. (ie Budget allocations, capital and operational expenditure across the whole region not just their division)

As part of the conversation we will need to consider a vote of the entire Region.

I will also be asking the newly elected team if they would like to consider reinstating Councillor portfolios ie Infrastructure, Finance, Community Services, Parks, Water etc.

Today marks the end of an incredible journey – my political campaign for 2024.

As I reflect on the journey I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for the unwavering support from my family every step of the way. To my amazing partner Ben & daughter Ellie, my family and friends, thank you doesn't seem like enough.

From the early mornings to the late nights, you've been there, cheering me on.

I'm immensely proud of what we've accomplished together in the short time. Win or lose, I couldn't ask for a better team by my side.

Best of luck to all my fellow candidates who had the courage to put their hand up. Here's to the future, whatever it may hold.

The best way to end an Election Day, putting on my rotary apron and raising funds for Rotary Gladstone Sunrise at Bunnings with my fellow Rotarians.

After voting head down to Bunnings Gladstone and see Rotary Gladstone Sunrise for a sausage on bread! I’ll be there cooking on the BBQ later today, see you there 👋

We are back on the BBQ today down at Bunnings Gladstone. Come and see the Sunrise Crew for a sausage on bread and cold drink 👏

Today is the day you can have your say and vote Jessica BRAY.

If you are looking for booth locations, see below open 8am until 6pm:

🗳️ Agnes Water Community Centre
71 Springs Road, Agnes Water

🗳️ Wartburg State School
585 Coast Road, BAFFLE CREEK

🗳️ Benaraby State School
17 O'Connor Road, BENARABY

🗳️ Boyne Island Community Centre, Heron Room
Cnr Wyndham and Hayes Avenues, BOYNE ISLAND

🗳️ Calliope State School
Dawson Highway, CALLIOPE

🗳️ Chanel College, Marian Centre (FLYER FREE 📄)
11 Paterson Street, GLADSTONE

🗳️ Clinton State School
224 Harvey Road, CLINTON

🗳️ Gladstone Central State School
74 Auckland Street, GLADSTONE

🗳️ Gladstone South State School ( BAKE SALE 🍰)
153 Toolooa Street, GLADSTONE

🗳️ Gladstone West State School
Cnr Boles & Breslin Streets, GLADSTONE WEST

🗳️ Gladstone Uniting Church
1 Uniting Place, Telina

🗳️ Rural Transaction Building Miriam Vale
41 Blomfield Street, Miriam Vale

🗳️ Mount Larcom State School
Raglan Street, MOUNT LARCOM

🗳️ Rosedale Memorial Hall
77 James Street, Rosedale

🗳️ St Peter's Anglican Church
50 J Hickey Avenue, CLINTON

🗳️ Tannum Sands State High School
65 Coronation Drive, TANNUM SANDS

🗳️ Ubobo Memorial Hall
Cnr Railway Terrace and Cedarvale Road, Ubobo

🗳️ Yarwun State School
35 Butler Street, YARWUN

On Local Government election day this Saturday March 16 Chanel College is once again a Flyer Free Polling Booth.
Candidates will have signs but have agreed not to man the booth with flyers or how to vote cards.
If you know how you are planning to vote and would like to avoid "running the gauntlet" this is the polling booth for you.

Last day of EARLY VOTING!

Pre poll opens at 9.00am and closes at 6.00pm tonight.

Election Day is tomorrow Saturday March 16.

On the Councillor ballot paper you need to select your 8 preferred candidates.

I had the privilege of attending the final meet-the-candidate event in Agnes last night, hosted by DCTC Inc. It was an incredible experience to partake in all Meet The Candidate events across our wonderful region and engage in meaningful conversations.

I attended the Meet the Candidates event in Gladstone on Monday and had the opportunity to speak with locals and answer questions regarding their concerns and issues. Thank you G.A.P.D.L , GEA & Gladstone Chamber of Commerce & Industry for hosting and everyone who attended.

This morning I attended Zonta Club of Gladstone International Women's Day Breakfast. Such an enjoyable and inspiring morning. I highly enjoyed listening to the inspirational guest speaker Saskia Groenintwoud and watched my fellow Rotarian Bev Fellows receive the Living Treasure Award.

Thank you Zonta Gladstone 🧡

Thursday night's 'Meet the Candidates' event in Boyne Valley was an enriching and educational experience. It was an opportunity to connect with the local community and gain valuable insights into their concerns and priorities.

Looking forward to the next event on Monday, March 11th at Gladstone CQU University.

Hope to see you there!

In 2024, the IWD campaign theme Inspire Inclusion emphasizes the importance of diversity and empowerment in all aspects of society.

We understand the crucial role of inclusion in achieving gender equality and we encourage everyone to recognize the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life.

To all the amazing women in our community, Happy International Women's Day.

My take on pre-polling 🗳️

I wanted to share why you won't often see me outside of the voting booth area handing out flyers.

Please know, it's not because I don't take this candidacy seriously. As a mother, a full-time worker, and a volunteer, my plate is full and I believe my time is better invested wearing these community hats or engaging in meaningful discussions at the meet-the-candidate sessions.

Thank you for your understanding and hopefully, your support in this choice. If you would like to contact me as part of conducting your own research before voting on representation please reach out.

Who's stepping up to join Clean Up Australia this year? It's this Sunday 3rd March, grab your family, friends and neighbours and join a local clean up site.
Let's do our part to help keep our communities clean 🌳

You can join Clean Up Australia by clicking the below link
https://register.cleanup.org.au/join-a-clean-up?_ga=2.204543632.1659425544.1709156041-110279838.1709156040

Do you have a question?
Come along to the GAPDL Meet the Candidates event on the 11th of March.

Click the below link for more information.
https://facebook.com/events/s/meet-the-candidates-gladstone/364757796390768/

See you there,

I will be attending the upcoming meet the candidate events. Meeting with residents in the region and having conversations is a great opportunity to understand the concerns and priorities of the community.

Meet Charlie & Milo, they love going on walks, food, people and more recently, exploring different neighbourhoods whilst out delivering flyers.
If you pass us on our walk stop and say hello, we love chats and pats, meeting new people and furry friends.

Jessica Bray - Candidate, Gladstone Regional Council Public and government service

𝙁𝙍𝙀𝙀 𝙒𝙚𝙡𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙂𝙡𝙖𝙙𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝘽𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝘽𝘽𝙌 event!

📆 10am to 12pm - Saturday, 24 February.
📍 Millennium Esplanade, Tannum Sands.
🎨 Family Friendly activities.
✔️ No RSVP required

Everyone is welcome!

This year I am stepping into the role of Soccer Coach for the Central Football Club's under 10/11 Girls team, the Central Doves! It's an exciting and rewarding opportunity to guide young athletes in their soccer journey.

This is a fantastic opportunity to give back to the community and contributing to the growth of sports in the Gladstone region.
By actively participating in the local sports community and encouraging others to do the same, you are not only shaping the future of the Gladstone region but also creating a positive and inclusive environment for families and individuals to thrive. By coming together to support various sporting clubs, the community can ensure the longevity and success of these organizations, providing opportunities for generations to come.

Saturday March 16 is Local Government election day across Queensland.

There are options available if you can't make it to a polling booth on the day.

Here are the Pre-Poll centres for the Gladstone Region as determined by the Electoral Commission of Queensland:

Gladstone City
7-9 Goondoon Street
Old Gladstone RSL building

Boyne Island Community Centre - Heron Room
Cnr Wyndham and Hayes Avenues, Boyne Island

Agnes Water Rural Transactions Centre
71 Springs Road, Agnes Water

Monday, 4 March 9AM - 5PM
Tuesday, 5 March 9AM - 5PM
Wednesday, 6 March 9AM - 5PM
Thursday, 7 March 9AM - 5PM
Friday, 8 March 9AM - 5PM
Monday, 11 March 9AM - 5PM
Tuesday, 12 March 9AM - 5PM
Wednesday, 13 March 9AM - 5PM
Thursday, 14 March 9AM - 5PM
Friday, 15 March 9AM - 6PM

On the Councillor ballot paper you need to select your 8 preferred candidates.

While not recommended you can also tick ✔️ 8 boxes for the candidates of your choice. But it is easier to number the boxes.

Being first past the post all numbers 1 - 8 have equal value.
You can number every box but only your first 8 will be counted.

There are 15 candidates in total including 4 sitting Councillors.

Cr Rick Hansen, Cr Desley O'Grady, Cr Darryl Branthwaite and Cr Chris Trevor have announced their retirement from Council after more than 30 years combined service to the community.

If you can't get to a polling booth on election day or to a pre-poll voting centre you can apply for a postal vote via the ECQ website:
https://event.elections.qld.gov.au/Events/ElectorSearch?EventID=622&EventType=2

Telephone voting is another option available to eligible Queensland electors.
Please ensure you meet the criteria via the link below before you call the ECQ to register for this service.https://www.ecq.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0025/27817/Information-sheet-Telephone-voting.pdf

For over a decade, I've been dedicated to serving the gladstone region, initially in hospitality and tourism, and more recently in real estate, where I believe I play a role in strengthening the foundations of our hometown. Through my experiences, I've identified a notable gap within our council – representation from the younger demographic. I am convinced that introducing diverse perspectives, particularly from the younger generation, will enrich our discussions and decision making processes.
I am deeply committed to seeking out opportunities that will drive the sustainable and diversified growth of our region, and eager to contribute my time and effort towards this endeavour.

Congratulations to both teams who played a tough 90 minutes last night competing in the Kappa Cup Challenge. Central Football Club, got the win and will move onto the next round. It was great to see a crowd get behind the women's game.

Thank you Gladstone Today for featuring this article in the local newspaper.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
When it comes to being involved in the community, I'm committed. In my spare time, I actively participate in fundraisers, events, and groups such as Rotary Gladstone Sunrise and Central Football Club, Gladstone. Qld.
On weekends, you can catch me grilling for a cause, kicking goals on the field, and fostering connections through the inspiring penpal initiative led by letters of hope. Gladstone boasts an abundance of groups and causes dedicated to shaping a brighter future. I would be honored to amplify those voices creating positive change.

✅Community
✅Youth
✅ Commitment
✅ Enthusiasm

Hi,
I’m Jessica Bray, a dynamic and passionate, young leader, vying for the position of councillor in our community.
I’m a proud Gladstone local with a background in community organizing and advocacy through Rotary and sporting clubs, driven by a desire to create positive change.
I believe in the power of collaboration and inclusivity, recognizing that true progress is achieved when everyone's concerns are heard and valued.
With a fresh perspective, and tireless work ethic, I aim to tackle the pressing issues facing our community head-on. Whether it's advocating for affordable housing or promoting access to services, I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work.
I have the energy, enthusiasm, dedication and unwavering commitment to our community's well-being, and will be a catalyst for positive change.