Council Portfolio: Tourism & Economic Development
Background:
Fiona has lived within the McKinlay Shire for approximately 40 years after arriving here in Year 10 and attending Julia Creek State High School. Once Fiona completed boarding school for Year 11 & 12 in Charters Towers, she returned and worked at several different businesses in Julia Creek. Fiona met her husband Colin, who is 3rd generation to the area and after marrying they had two sons (Cody and Clay) who were raised in the Shire and continue to return at every opportunity. She believes this is testament to our wonderful community and its positive effect on its residents.
Fiona has experienced life within the Shire living on the land, in town (Julia Creek) as well as most weekends at Kynuna, where they run cattle as a family business along with their two sons. For the last 15 years, Fiona has been the sole proprietor of Cooleebah Gifts which has given her an understanding of the challenges small businesses face within our Shire and the growth we have experienced over the past few years. Over the years, the Malone family have been active members of lots of different committees and continue to be a part of the Julia Creek Western Riding Club, Kynuna Rural Fire Brigade and Kynuna Rodeo and Sporting Association.
Fiona believes in listening open mindedly, non-judgmentally and having learnt through small business, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Fiona wholeheartedly would like to continue to give to our community and be a part of the positive progress within our shire.