Mayor Greg Campbell, Vicky Campbell, Brad Rix, Damian McGee and Dane Swalling were sworn into their new positions at a desk in front of chief executive David Neeves, council staff, and the mayor’s attending family. 

Cr Swalling was then appointed as deputy mayor. His was the only nomination which was made by Cr McGee. 

The new deputy mayor is the grandson of former mayor Keith Douglas Snr and the son of former councillor John Swalling. 

Cr Swalling said his role was to “back” the mayor. 

“I think he will do a great job, he’s got experience,” Cr Swalling said. 

Most of the councillors have known each other for years. The mayor and Cr Campbell are related through the sisters of grandparents – but not through the Campbell line. 

And Cr McGee was in the same class as the mayor at high school, and they were a few grades above the deputy mayor.

Cr McGee recalled peeking at Cr Campbell’s answers during math tests in Year 11. 

He said the councillors he would work with the next four years were intelligent and community minded. 

Cr Vicky Campbell does the mail run for the stations in the area, and completes about 1700 kilometres a week. 

The mail run would not conflict with the council meetings which will continue to be held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month, she said. 

The next meeting is held in the shire hall on Tuesday, April 19. 

Qld agricultural minister Leanne Donaldson visited the newly sworn in councillors shortly after the meeting while on tour of some rural properties in the region with State Member Rob Katter.