Commercial lawyer Melissa Hamilton has announced her intention to enter the race for Mayor of the Southern Downs, at the local government elections on March 16.

“I have decided to run for Mayor because I believe that it is a serious position that requires leadership and professionalism. That’s what I can offer,” she said.

With a billboard unveiled on the New England Highway last week, Ms Hamilton is the first candidate to publicly state her intention to run. She will run as an unaligned independent candidate.

“Residents of the Southern Downs deserve a mayor who works for them and is not answerable to a political party,” Ms Hamilton said. “I’ve never belonged to a party and being an independent means I can push at every door – state, federal and private – to secure more investment for the region.”

Ms Hamilton said the main message she had been hearing from residents across the Southern Downs was that they wanted a council that worked together. “People are sick of ongoing division and conflict among councillors,” she said.”They expect their elected officials to cooperate and get things done.”

Ms Hamilton promises to bring integrity and professionalism to the role.

“As mayor, I will work with energy and enthusiasm and support ideas and projects that are good for all of our communities,” she said.

Melissa will be back in Allora this weekend for the famous Heritage Weekend and is looking forward to meeting up with the locals.

This article appeared in the Allora Advertiser, 24 January 2024.