Meet your Councillors
Mayor Les Hotz
Cr Les Hotz was declared Mayor of North Burnett Regional Council on Wednesday, 2 February 2022.
Mayor, Les Hotz was raised in Monto, a place where he and his wife Valma chose to raise their four adult children and a place where he still chooses to fondly call home. Beginning a career in local government in 1967, Cr Hotz has undertaken many roles from payroll and accounting right through to senior management.
During his employment in Local Government, Cr Hotz endeavoured to serve the North Burnett community through an open and transparent process, a process which he is committed to continuing during his term as Mayor.
Like any business, it is important that North Burnett Regional Council is meeting the needs of the community whilst operating sustainably. During his term in Council, Cr Hotz has significant priorities which include:
- Supporting local businesses, industry, community and sporting groups across the region to ensure that goods and services are available to Council and community.
- Providing policy that ensures that services for the community, businesses, industry and tourism is maintained.
- Encourage communication and collaboration with State and Federal Governments and continue to lobby for funds to upgrade Main Roads within the region.
- Advocate for all weather access to the regions natural wonders like Cania Gorge, Wuruma Dam and the Kalpowar and Comminglah forests.
Cr Hotz welcomes the input from the public and ratepayers which may include complaints and ideas that will improve and benefit the North Burnett.
As a born again Christian, Cr Hotz has a Christian faith which guides him in his role as an elected representative for his community.
Phone: 0458 696 272
Email me: Cr.Les.Hotz@northburnett.qld.gov.au
Cr Melinda Jones
Councillor (Division 1)
Cr Melinda Jones is no stranger to local government, having spent part of her career in community development, economic development and tourism with NBRC. Cr Jones brings a diverse skillset to the team with over 20 years’ experience working in tourism, economic and community development, hospitality and recently within the disability sector. She has worked across both private and not-for-profit sectors as well as government at both a local and federal level.
Since early 2019, Cr Jones has been employed as the North Burnett Community Capacity Builder with APM – partners in the community for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This role is about identifying gaps within the communities of the North Burnett and building the communities’ capacity to create a more inclusive community, a position that Cr Jones is able to continue in a part-time capacity alongside being the Councillor for Division 1.
Drawn to the region by the vast showing of community spirit, Cr Jones and her family settled around Monto 16 years ago. Since calling the North Burnett home, Cr Jones has immersed herself in supporting the local community and developing businesses, tourism and events. She believes it is paramount to invest in the people of the North Burnett who act as a catalyst for our region to thrive into the future. Cr Jones has a strong passion and commitment to community and the potential of all individuals. She holds executive positions on the Monto Magic Tourism Action Group, Texas Longhorn Australia Inc., is a director on the Red Earth Community Foundation board and runs Waratah Longhorns alongside her husband Wayne.
Cr Jones stands by the importance of empowering people to have a voice and input into the decisions that affect them as a community. Her goal over the next 4 years is for Council to work as a unified team, willing to strive together for the betterment of our community’s future generations.
Phone: 0477 726 785
Email me: Cr.Melinda.Jones@northburnett.qld.gov.au
Division 2 – Cr Kingsley Mesner
Kingsley Mesner was declared Division 2 Councillor of the North Burnett Regional Council in April 2022.
Cr Mesner has spent all of his life in the North Burnett. Raised in Eidsvold, and schooled at Mundubbera and Ipswich Grammar School, Kingsley considers himself to be a family man. Cr Mesner has two grown daughters, one who is a journalist, and one currently studying journalism. He also has a young son who attends school locally. Throughout Cr Mesner’s life, he has worked throughout the region as a postman in Eidsvold, a Telecom linesman in Monto, and for RG Mobbs in Mundubbera. Additionally, Cr Mesner spent 20 years working as a truck owner/driver, travelling interstate, working for two major companies. Most recently as part of his family business, he has become a local irrigation/bore water driller, mainly covering the Monto, Ubobo and Theodore districts, while being based on the family farm in Eidsvold.
One of Cr Mesner’s goals is to have input into the Council’s budget, to ensure that rate payers’ money is allocated wisely and effectively.
Roads are also important to Cr Mesner, as he believes that everyone should be able to drive on safe and well-maintained roads.
Phone: 0477 761 506
Email me: Cr.Kingsley.Mesner@northburnett.qld.gov.au
Cr Susan Payne
Councillor (Division 3)
Although born and bred in Brisbane, you could be forgiven for thinking that Councillor Payne has always lived in the North Burnett. She has lived, worked, played, volunteered and raised a family in the region for over 35 years, proudly calling Monogorilby and Mundubbera home.
With a background in business and finance, and a drive to see a financially sustainable Council, Cr Payne believes that her greatest strength as Division 3 Councillor would be her uninhibited perspective in being able to identify opportunities for beneficial change.
Having previously held executive positions in many varied community groups within Mundubbera and Monogorilby areas, Cr Payne is passionate about community development. She currently holds the position of Chair of North Burnett Community Service Inc whilst also being a supporter of the Mundubbera Show Society, Jaycettes, Central Burnett Landcare and Burnett Catchment Care Association.
When asked what she enjoys most about the North Burnett, Cr Payne is quick to respond with ‘where the people say g’day and visitors are welcomed with open arms’. As a beef producer, she enjoys the diversification of fresh produce farmed and grown in our varied natural landscape.
Phone: 0488 050 251
Email me: Cr.Sue.Payne@northburnett.qld.gov.au
Cr Dael Giddins
Councillor (Division 4)
A proud ‘Gaynderite’ and often spotted snapping selfies with a mandarin affectionately named ‘Miss Mandy’ whilst spruiking her passion for her hometown wherever she goes, Cr Dael Giddins is proud to be Division 4 Councillor of the North Burnett. Having started working in Local Government full-time from the age of 15, Cr Giddins has served her community through a variety of roles over a 42+ year span.
Cr Giddins is very active in community sport and has spent countless hours volunteering for organisations and currently holds executive positions within the Gayndah Rotary Club, Central Regional Little Athletics and Gayndah Orange Festival Committee, while being an active member of the Gayndah CWA, Gunther Op Shop and Gayndah District Netball Association. Cr Giddins is also a board member for the Central & Upper Burnett District Home for the Aged.
As a councillor, Cr Giddins would like to see that the North Burnett is a region that people want to call home and that facilitates both sporting and community activities that all ages can participate in. Cr Giddins will also be advocating to encourage business and infrastructure to the region and to entice visitors to our naturally beautiful North Burnett.
Phone: 0477 422 288
Email me: Cr.Dael.Giddins@northburnett.qld.gov.au
Cr Michael Dingle
Councillor (Division 5)
An avid axeman and grazier, Cr Michael (Mick) Dingle established his career in Local Government in 1979, setting off on a career path that has focused on improving the road network of the North Burnett region. After many years in the civil works team of Council, Cr Dingle took the leap to represent his community at the boardroom table.
Being raised in Mount Perry, Cr Dingle brings an extensive amount of both local and practical knowledge to the boardroom.
Although known to be most comfortable behind the wheel of a machine, swinging an axe or mustering a paddock, Cr Dingle is a connector of ideas, networks and people. His focus for the next 4 years is to be part of a team that makes substantial change to the sustainability of the North Burnett Regional Council.
Phone: 0477 565 422
Email me: Cr.Michael.Dingle@northburnett.qld.gov.au
Robbie Radel
Councillor Division 6
Born in Biggenden and raised at Coalstoun Lakes, Cr Radel completed his education at Biggenden before following his dream to own and operate his own dairy farm.
Cr Radel left school and worked full time on his parents farm while simultaneously building up his own herd of registered Brown Swiss dairy cattle. As a result of the deregulation of the industry in 2000, Cr Radel was forced to leave his hometown and seek employment elsewhere.
Father of six children, Cr Radel is in his second term as Division 6 Councillor, and first term as Deputy Mayor. Cr Radel has immersed himself into the role of Councillor whilst continuing to be involved in his community where he has been an active member of various volunteer organisations and has dedicated his life to the Biggenden Apex Club where he has held all positions on the executive throughout his long involvement.
Robbie holds a principal interest in the areas of communities and hopes to see the North Burnett grow and diversify as a whole.
Phone: 0458 625 950
Email me: Robert.Radel@northburnett.qld.gov.au