Teresa Harding has been officially sworn in as Ipswich’s 51st Mayor, 20 months after an Interim Administrator was appointed to lead Ipswich City Council.
“I’d like to thank the interim administrators, council executives and officers for keeping the wheels running and the lights on,” Mayor Harding said at a special declaration of office ceremony at her Raceview home today.
“As the level of government closest to the community, it is well and truly time that the responsibility of ensuring transparent and accountable governance is returned to that of the community’s elected representatives.”
Mayor Harding knows there will be tough decisions to make but her professional experience as a former executive in the Department of Defence, leading the maintenance of the RAAF F111 jets, and senior officer in the Queensland Government, and a small business owner, has prepared her for the responsibility as the Mayor of Ipswich.
Community service runs in her blood and Mayor Harding is a lifelong volunteer. She is an active Rotarian with the Ipswich City Club, and was the President of the Coordinating Organisation for the Disabled in Ipswich, a former board member of the Ipswich Chamber of Commerce and Industry, former board member of Focal Community Services and has been on the Parents and Citizens Association Committee of her children’s schools.
“Volunteer and local not-for-profit organisations are the fabric of this community and I will continue to work alongside them and find ways to provide ongoing support both now and into the future,” Mayor Harding said.
She acknowledged the community is faced with a global economic and health crisis, but that has not weakened her optimism or determination. She said she is ready to hit the ground running and will receive specialist disaster management training and commence her role of Chair of the city’s Local Disaster Management Group immediately after the first council meeting.
“Failure to plan is planning to fail, and we have a huge responsibility to prepare for the worst while putting in place plans to achieve the best. Our community is depending on us for that, now more than ever,” Mayor Harding said.
As a former member of the Army, a graduate of the Australian Command and Staff College and holding a Master of Management, Mayor Harding knows what leadership, integrity and complex decision making is all about. She said she is prepared to “go into battle” for the people of Ipswich to ensure they get the very best opportunities.
With the Queensland Government issuing a home confinement directive last week, Cr Harding is committed to finding innovative ways to navigate economic and social challenges through this unprecedented time.
“Home is the safest place for all of us to be right now and I urge every single member of our community to play their part in keeping Ipswich healthy and safe.”
Mayor Harding confirmed she would be restricting her movements to attend only essential in-person meetings to fulfil her duties as mayor during this time.
As the current crisis poses new challenges to businesses, the community and council, Mayor Harding is adamant not to let it break her stride.
“The community has given a clear mandate for an open and transparent council,” she said.
In her most recent role Mayor Harding led the Queensland Government’s open data approach making previously unpublished data and information publicly available.
Mayor Harding acknowledges the task ahead of her is full of unique challenges, she is determined to deliver on her election commitments which received overwhelming community support. Her primary focus is to lead Ipswich through this period of uncertainty and emerge out the other side stronger and more resilient.
“Residents and ratepayers clearly asked me to focus on two areas: deliver a brighter future for Ipswich by leading a trustworthy government; and provide answers to the final matters of doubt, so that we can close that dark chapter and move forward together with certainty. I will work hard every day to deliver that,” Mayor Harding concluded.
Mayor thanks the people of Ipswich
Thank you Ipswich, I am deeply humbled and honoured to be elected the 51st Mayor of Ipswich.
You have chosen a fresh start and that is my priority to you: a fresh start.
You deserve better and I will deliver that for you. I will strive to rebuild the community trust, pride and hope for our great city that I love so much.
I take the responsibility you have given me seriously and I am sincerely humbled by your decision to elect me with a strong majority.
This fresh start for Ipswich comes at a time of deep distress for so many around the world.
Coronavirus has changed the world, our country, our state and Ipswich.
This unprecedented situation is causing deep anxiety for many members of our community, through sickness, job losses and restrictions on whole industries and relationships.
The situation is heart-breaking and as your newly elected mayor, it will be a primary focus in the coming days, weeks and months.
Your safety and wellbeing are my priority. I will work with all stakeholders to do everything I can to support you.
I will seek to bring forward projects where I can create the much-needed jobs; I will focus council on spending on small businesses within Ipswich, and I will ensure we have the resources to get through this challenging time.
Ipswich, your vote for me as mayor, is a line in the sand, if is for us to come together, to put the truth out for you all to see.
The council I will lead will deliver the very best services, infrastructure and opportunities you richly deserve. I will lead an effective and accountable council that listens to its people.
The time for deep divisions and game playing has passed, the business of delivering the very best services and value for your rates is what matters.
Your new council will be 100 per cent focussed on Ipswich, dealing with the issues that matter to you. It is now time for us all to unite.
In the face of so many challenges, now is the time to be kind, gracious and generous to each other.
Now is the time for us to take the advice from our amazing health professionals, to respect the changes in the new situation.
Now is the time for you to know that Ipswich is back in the hands of the people of Ipswich. We have a fresh start.
Finally, I want to say thanks to all the mayoral and council candidates; thanks to the volunteers in the Fresh Start team; thanks especially to my family and husband Steve; and thanks to Ipswich.
Congratulations Mayor Harding!
I am a firm believer that most government leadership roles should be held by women.
Women have established a clear track record around the world for responsible, compassionate leadership.
It sometimes mystified me that Hillary Clinton was so intent on “smashing through the glass ceiling.”
If she had looked around a bit more, she would have found that many strong, resilient women had already achieved that in countries around the globe.
Your CV is impressive, and you will do wonderfully well in the role.
I have a small suggestion.
I know that initial letters to the community need to cover all the bases, however, I feel yours might have been a little too wordy, and slightly repetitive under the circumstances.
If you re-read it, I would suggest it could have been trimmed down by about one third.
As an example, may I suggest you read Abraham Lincoln’s now famous Gettysburg address.
Not many people are aware that on the day of the dedication, Lincoln was preceded by a famous orator, who held forth for over an hour.
Lincoln followed, speaking only for a few minutes.
The Gettysburg Address is now widely honoured for it’s clarity and power.
Madam, I hope with all sincerity that the same fate awaits you.
Keith Hays.
Congratulations Mayor Harding, I have been waiting 40 years for an honest council in Ipswich, perhaps you have answered the call, please don’t let your guard down. Thank you
Congratulations.