Dolly Jensen is a dedicated advocate for women in local government. As the newly appointed Queensland President of the Australian Local Government Women's Association, she brings a wealth of experience and passion to the role.
With a strong history of supporting and mentoring women, Dolly has been instrumental in driving positive change within the sector. Her commitment to gender equality was recognized in 2010 when she was awarded the Emma Miller Award by the QCU for her advocacy work.
As the new Queensland President, Dolly is committed to standing up for the rights of women and ensuring their voices are heard at all levels of local government
Karen has worked in local government for approximately 20 years predominately in the Governance area overseeing Council meetings and legislative requirements. She has also had the opportunity to work across numerous sections of Council including a period in the Community Development area for 18 months looking after the health and wellbeing and school holiday programs. Karen's professional qualifications include Advanced Diplomas in Business and Management, Diplomas of Local Government Administration and Project Management and IAP2 Engagement Essentials. Karen has been involved with ALGWA since 2006, first joining the Management Committee in 2011 as the Secretary.
Gladstone Regional Council Deputy Mayor Cr Muszkat is an experienced manager, facilitator, community development and workplace health and safety professional. She moved to the Gladstone Region in 2007 and lives in Tannum Sands with her partner and two teenage sons.
Cr Muszkat has a great passion for community and social and human services, and in her years in the Gladstone Region she has been instrumental in delivering a wide range of projects including traineeships for disadvantaged job seekers, domestic and family violence prevention programs, literacy initiatives, schools’ bursaries, community development programs and art and culture projects.
Cr Muszkat has a Bachelor in Workplace Health and Safety (with Distinction), a Diploma in Business Governance and is a Fellow of the Institute of Community Directors Australia. Cr Muszkat’s diverse cultural and professional experience has taught her to always conduct herself with empathy, compassion and respect for all people’s ideas and experiences. In her spare time, Natalia loves traveling – she has visited over 40 countries and enjoys doing all things craft and gardening as well as reading about history, politics, and culture.
Deputy Mayor Karen May’s vast local government experience totals 20 years. Cr May was also a councillor, deputy mayor and mayor of the former Sarina Shire Council.
She was re-elected for her fourth consecutive term on the amalgamated council at the 2024 local government elections. She was then elected Deputy Mayor by her fellow councillors in August 2024.
Cr May is co-chair of council’s Liveability and Social Inclusion Strategic Advisory Committee.
She is also a council representative on the not-for-profit regional body for community and social development, Greater Whitsunday Communities and the Mackay Regional Housing Company Limited.
She is passionate about advocating on behalf of business, industry, and tourism for our region and is a strong community voice for her regional community.
Her volunteer work includes serving as chairperson of the Mackay Women’s Service, Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank, committee member of Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsunday and vice chair Sarina Landcare Integrated Catchment Association Inc.
Councillor Jan Clifford has been an elected member with Whitsunday Regional Council since 2008. Jan’s current portfolio includes Planning & Development, Major Developments and Business, Housing and Airlie Tourism. Jan also sits on a number of boards and committees including the Police Citizen’s Youth Club as well as being a patron of the Whitsunday Crisis and Counseling Service. Jan has completed the Australian Institute of Directors "In the Boardroom" course and also has a Diploma of Management.
Councillor Delfine (Fina) Vasta is serving her first term as Councillor of Burdekin Shire Council, elected in March 2024.
Julie is Director Community Services at Whitsunday Regional Council
Councillor Natalie Willcocks was elected to Logan City Council in 2020.
She is married to husband Mark and has two daughters.
As a tertiary qualified high school teacher, Councillor Willcocks taught health and physical education, legal studies and home economics for 10 years in mainstream educational settings.
For the next five years, she worked with disengaged and disadvantaged young people in a transitional educational setting.
As the mother of two active girls, Councillor Willcocks enjoys watching her kids play netball and swimming, is heavily involved in her local swimming club and is a keen Collingwood AFL supporter.
Other interests include cooking, reading, travelling and spending time with her family and their Alaskan Malamute, Nanuk.