Governance

Having extensive professional experience in commercial strategy, marketing, stakeholder management, complex supply chains, negotiation, and retail insight. Carrie has a passion for supporting the community, charitable organisations, and food trends.

Carrie has a BSc (Winemaking & Viticulture) from the University of Western Sydney.

Community Leadership and Governance Profile

Peter Scott has dedicated much of his professional and personal life to serving the communities of Cook Shire and Far North Queensland. With more than 50 years of experience spanning banking, business ownership, local government, regional advocacy, and community leadership, he has established a reputation as a committed leader with a strong focus on community development, economic growth, infrastructure, and regional representation.

Community Involvement

Throughout his life, Peter has been actively involved in a wide range of community organisations and committees. His contributions have included service with junior rugby league, regional rugby league, golf and tennis clubs, the Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Association, Bendigo Bank Community Committee, roads committees, community health organisations, community housing initiatives, Parents and Citizens Associations, and community resource centres.
His extensive volunteer and leadership roles demonstrate a longstanding commitment to strengthening community wellbeing, supporting local sporting organisations, and advancing opportunities for residents across the region.

Local Government and Regional Leadership

Peter served as a Councillor with Cook Shire Council from 2004 to 2024, including 16 years as Mayor. During his tenure, he played a significant role in shaping the social, environmental, economic, and cultural direction of one of Australia’s largest local government areas geographically, covering an area comparable in size to Victoria.
As Mayor and Councillor, Peter was responsible for overseeing council operations and strategic planning, including management oversight of annual budgets exceeding $100 million. His role involved extensive engagement with communities, advocacy across all levels of government, and leadership in securing government grants, loans, and funding for regional development projects.
Peter also worked closely with neighbouring Indigenous councils and communities, advocating for improved infrastructure, economic opportunities, and regional outcomes across Cape York and the Torres Strait.

Professional Career

Peter spent 24 years with Westpac Bank. His banking career also included experience in crisis management while working in Bougainville during periods of civil conflict in Papua New Guinea. He was additionally involved in a major computer systems project, serving as a user team leader for the implementation of banking technology systems.

For over 30 years, Peter owned and operated businesses within the motel, hospitality, and tourism sectors. His firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by regional businesses has strengthened his ability to advocate for economic growth and sustainable development throughout Far North Queensland.
Beyond local government, Peter has held numerous leadership positions that have contributed to community safety, housing, health, and emergency management.
These roles have enabled him to contribute directly to emergency preparedness, community welfare, housing initiatives, and equitable distribution of government funding for local governments across Queensland.
In recognition of his dedication to grassroots sport and community service, Peter was awarded the Rugby League Service to the Community National Award in 2012.
Peter also contested the 2007 Queensland State Election as the Liberal Party candidate for the Cook electorate, demonstrating his commitment to public service and regional representation.

Summary

Peter Scott’s career reflects a lifetime of leadership, service, and advocacy. His combined experience in banking, business ownership, local government, regional governance, emergency management, and community organisations has equipped him with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing regional Queensland. His contributions have helped shape the development of Cook Shire and Far North Queensland, leaving a lasting legacy of community engagement, strategic leadership, and public service.

Patricia Ansey-Passi is a highly respected grassroots leader, advocate, and community development practitioner with extensive experience supporting the economic, social, cultural, and educational advancement of Australia's First Nations peoples. Raised in the Torres Strait, Patricia has dedicated her career to strengthening communities through meaningful engagement, cultural preservation, advocacy, mentoring, and service delivery.
Driven by a deep commitment to the wellbeing of her people, Patricia focuses on creating opportunities that connect individuals, families, organisations, and communities. Her work is centred on empowering people, fostering cultural identity, and developing practical pathways for positive social change.
As Principal of KEYCOM, Patricia provides specialist cultural, community, and advocacy services across Queensland. Through her consultancy, she works closely with government agencies, community organisations, families, and individuals to improve engagement and outcomes for First Nations peoples.
Patricia has established a strong record of leadership across educational, cultural, community, and Indigenous organisations.
Through these roles, Patricia has been a powerful advocate for Indigenous education, cultural preservation, community participation, language revitalisation, and improved social outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Patricia brings a unique combination of cultural knowledge, lived experience, professional expertise, and community leadership. Patricia's extensive experience has enabled her to develop strong capabilities across a range of disciplines, such as leadership, community engagement, indigenous advocacy and cultural liaison.
Patricia Ansey-Passi's career is defined by her unwavering commitment to empowering First Nations peoples and strengthening communities through connection, culture, and opportunity. Her leadership spans advocacy, education, language preservation, mentoring, governance, and cultural engagement, making her a valued community leader and respected voice for Indigenous peoples across Queensland.
Through her work, Patricia continues to build bridges between communities, government agencies, and service providers while championing the voices, cultures, and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for future generations.