Weipa voters will head to the polls on 16 August to determine which of the five candidates vying to fill the vacancy on Weipa Town Authority will represent them until 2028. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
Five candidates are rallying community support in the final days before voters head to the ballot box on 16 August to decide who will represent them in the Weipa Town Authority (WTA) chamber until 2028.
The candidates – Tacita de Tournouer, Rikki Cooper, Jeff Hughes, Malcolm Slack and Sheridan Teizel – are vying to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of former elected member Lisa Scharf, which triggered this weekend’s by-election.
Ahead of voters having their say, we asked all five candidates the following four questions:
1. Tell us a bit about yourself and your connection with Weipa.
2. Why are you running as a candidate for the WTA vacancy?
3. What do you see as the top priorities, opportunities and challenges for the Weipa community?
4. Why should Weipa give you its vote on 16 August?
On Saturday, the voting booth at the Weipa Storm Surge Shelter will be open from 8am-6pm.
For those wanting to cast their vote before then, pre-polling is available this week at the WTA office at Rocky Point from 9-4pm each day until Friday.
The candidate profiles appear in the same order as their names on the ballot paper.
Tacita de Tournouer
Tacita de Tournouer says she wants to ensure Weipa grows “in a way that’s sustainable, inclusive and focused on opportunities for the next generation”. Photo: Supplied.
Question 1
I’ve proudly called Weipa home for the past 11 years, and am a long-time ratepayer and community member. My husband and I are raising three children here – each of them has attended Western Cape College (WCC), with our eldest now away at boarding school.
I’ve worked at WCC for the past nine years, and continue to support youth development through sport and education.
Outside of work, I regularly volunteer for local clubs and events. I love the outdoor lifestyle that makes Weipa so special and am passionate about giving back to the community that has given so much to my family.
Question 2
I’m running for the Weipa Town Authority because I care deeply about our community – our families, our youth, our businesses and our future. I’ve seen firsthand the strength and potential of our town.
I want to represent everyday residents and ensure Weipa continues to grow in a way that’s sustainable, inclusive and focused on opportunities for the next generation. I believe in community-led decision-making, open communication, and practical solutions. This is my way of giving back to the town that has supported my family, and I’d be honoured to be a voice for the people of Weipa.
Question 3
To support a growing, resilient community, Weipa must prioritise investment in core infrastructure – roads, water, waste and recreational spaces – alongside action on housing affordability to attract and retain workers and families. Improving access to healthcare is also essential for community wellbeing.
A key concern is the long-term uncertainty around Rio Tinto’s future in the region. We need a clear, community-informed transition plan to ensure job security and economic stability.
Opportunities lie in diversifying the economy beyond mining, with potential in eco-tourism, small business, fishing and renewable energy. Expanding vocational education, apprenticeships and youth engagement will help develop a skilled local workforce and improve youth retention.
Weipa’s natural assets are a valuable drawcard to attract visitors, investment, and skilled professionals.
Challenges persist – especially unreliable access to essential services during wet season, limited food supplies and restricted air travel options. Increased competition or improved flight subsidies are needed to improve regional connectivity.
Question 4
I’d very much welcome any suggestions or ideas that you would like to put forward. Your input matters, and I’m keen to listen and represent what’s most important to our community.
I will be a strong, consistent voice for our community – someone who listens, speaks up and takes action. I’m deeply passionate about Weipa’s future and driven to make real, lasting change.
I care about what matters to locals – better services, more opportunities for our young people, and ensuring Weipa thrives well into the future.
I’m ready to work hard for the people of Weipa, and I hope the community will place their trust in me to represent them with integrity, energy and heart.
Rikki Cooper
Rikki Cooper has lived in Weipa for more than 17 years and says questioning the status quo is the key to unlocking new possibilities. Photo: Supplied.
Question 1
I have called Weipa home for over 17 years. From my first visit at the age of 20 to see my husband while he worked across the Cape, I fell in love with not only Weipa, but the entire western Cape. I was captivated by the warm community spirit, vibrant cultural heritage and stunning natural environment, and I immediately knew I wanted to make Weipa my lifelong home to raise our family.
Over the past almost two decades, I have proudly raised my two children here, now aged 22 and 17, instilling in them a deep respect for our area. My connection to Weipa goes beyond just living here – it has become part of my identity, who I am, and is a place I will forever call home.
Question 2
I am running for the WTA vacancy to support and stand alongside Chair Jaime Gane in advancing our shared vision for sustainable growth, enhanced community services and opportunities that reflect our unique heritage and aspirations.
My long-term residency gives me firsthand insight into the challenges and potential that define Weipa. Without allegiance to any major corporation, I am free to advocate for every resident, particularly those whose voices go unheard. I believe in proactive collaboration, transparent decision making and inclusive engagement to ensure all perspectives are heard and valued.
Rather than critique from the sidelines, I want to work directly on solutions. By representing our collective interests with integrity and dedication, I aim to drive initiatives that preserve our community spirit, foster resilience and secure a prosperous future for every family in Weipa.
Question 3
I believe the top priorities for the Weipa community include tackling the rising cost of living, soaring grocery, fuel and flight expenses, while addressing housing affordability through fair rents and rates. We must ensure that local businesses and workers benefit first, reducing outside contractors who mostly do not source or support our community in the long term.
Challenges arise when we stick to familiar patterns. Reliance on existing relationships and not asking the hard questions means grocery, fuel and service costs stay high, and outside contractors continue to edge out local businesses. Maintaining these practices, we won’t improve or progress Weipa.
Questioning “the way it’s always been” unlocks new possibilities. Shifting to local-first can reduce costs and build skills; reinvesting locally will strengthen social ties and financial resilience. When we dare to change our routines, Weipa gains the power to shape a more affordable, inclusive and vibrant future.
Question 4
I know the true meaning of community spirit and how if we want change, it takes the dedication of our local community to get it done.
I don’t just say I am going to do things – I get things done. I have a proven track record of turning ideas into action. I understand that real community progress relies on collective dedication, so I don’t just promise solutions, I deliver them.
Throughout the years, I have secured grants for local community associations, forming part of multiple organising committees for community events, and donating hundreds of kilograms of gowns, clothes, books and footy boots to families in need, I’ve demonstrated commitment, creativity, and follow through. I’ve championed careers education, created job pathways for locals and consistently showcase Weipa’s strengths on every stage.
Electing me means choosing a tireless advocate who listens and acts on what is important to you.
Jeff Hughes
Diesel fitter and business owner Jeff Hughes says he is passionate about making Weipa the best it can be for everyone. Photo: Supplied.
G’day, I’m Jeff.
In 2000, I kicked off my adventure, hitting the road to the Cape, where I ran Moreton Telegraph Station. After conquering the rest of Australia, I decided Weipa was my home.
I met my amazing wife here, and now have three kids at Western Cape College. 20 years on, I’ve been a diesel fitter at Rio Tinto, and also have two home businesses – Scoopy Snacks (the ice cream van) and Billwhacked Australia, an adventure wear brand.
I’m tossing my hat in the ring for the WTA election because Weipa is always going to be my home. I’m on a mission to make Weipa the best it can be for everyone.
I’m all about advocating for a sustainable future as we ease off the mining throttle, keeping Weipa’s unique charm alive and kicking.
Cast your vote for me – I’m not a yes man, and I’m not afraid to voice the tough stuff.
Malcolm Slack
Malcolm Slack describes himself as “approachable, accountable and ready to work hard for our town”. Photo: Supplied.
Question 1
I’ve been proud to call Weipa home for over 20 years, and have also lived in FNQ my entire life, born in Mossman. I chose to raise our family here, and my youngest daughter is currently in year 11 at Western Cape College.
Over the years, we’ve built strong ties to the community and embraced the unique lifestyle that Cape York offers. Weipa has given so much to my family – from friendships to opportunities – and now I feel it’s the right time to give back. By standing for WTA member, I hope to contribute to the continued growth and wellbeing of our town, and ensure it remains a place we’re all proud to call home.
Question 2
I’m running as a candidate because I genuinely care about the future of Weipa and the people who live here. After more than two decades in the community, I’ve seen how much potential our town has — but I also understand the challenges we face.
I believe it’s important to have local voices around the table, people who understand the day-to-day realities of life in Weipa and are committed to making practical, positive change.
I’m not here with a personal agenda – I’m here to listen, represent, and work hard to ensure Weipa continues to thrive for current and future generations.
Question 3
Weipa has so much potential, but we need to address a few key areas. Infrastructure is a top priority – particularly kerb and channelling across town, and upgrading the road between the primary and secondary schools, which is in poor condition. The road out of Weipa is also a major concern – being known as the worst in Cape York isn’t something we should accept.
Another challenge is the red tape that often hinders community events and volunteers. We need to make it easier, not harder, for people to run events and get involved. I also want to ensure new businesses are supported and not held back by inflexible processes.
By improving infrastructure, supporting community initiatives and encouraging local business growth, we can create a stronger, more vibrant Weipa for everyone.
Question 4
I’m running because I care deeply about Weipa – not just as a place, but as a community. I’ve lived here for over 20 years, raised my family here and experienced firsthand what makes this town special. Now, I want to give back by being a voice for the people, someone who listens, speaks up and gets things done.
I’m not here with empty promises, I’m here to focus on the real issues that matter – fixing our roads, improving infrastructure like kerb and channelling, cutting red tape that holds back community events and volunteers, and supporting local businesses so they can thrive, not struggle.
I bring a practical, commonsense approach and a genuine commitment to making Weipa an even better place to live, work and raise a family. If you want someone who’s approachable, accountable and ready to work hard for our town, I’d be honoured to have your vote on 16 August.
Sheridan Teizel
Sheridan Teizel, pictured with sons Lucas and Archer, says she is committed to long-term outcomes for the Weipa region, not short-term gains. Photo: Supplied.
Question 1
My roots in Weipa run deep, this is my home and where I’ve chosen to live, work and give back. I grew up here, spent time away for secondary schooling, and returned over a decade ago to raise my family and contribute to the community.
I have traditional connections to the Alngith, Mbaiwum, and Wik-Way clan groups, and I’m actively involved in Weipa community groups, including the Community Care Centre and local sports clubs for my two children.
My background spans business, policy and cross-cultural work across Cape York. I also run a remote-based consultancy focused on digital inclusion and cultural education.
Question 2
I want to see Weipa thrive, not just economically, but as a vibrant, liveable town for all. What strengthens our region should uplift everyone, but the key lies in understanding the different cohorts within our community. High-level goals mean little without targeted, practical strategies.
I bring fresh thinking, local insight and a community-first approach that recognises the diverse people who call Weipa home. With experience across both governance systems and local contexts, I want to help shape a future that reflects our shared aspirations.
Question 3
As Weipa faces major changes in key industries, my training and experience helps me consider and factor in the broader ripple effects on the community when making decisions.
Top priorities include economic diversification, affordable housing and better services for families and youth. I also recognise that the cost and reliability of freight and airfares is a key focal point in the community right now.
We have opportunities to strengthen how our systems work by improving connections between community, service providers, industry and government. There is real potential to build on existing partnerships, infrastructure and local knowledge to improve what’s already in place, while developing smarter strategies for the future – including planning for normalisation. If elected, I’ll focus on what’s achievable now, improving how things work today while contributing to long-term planning within existing systems. I’ll stay connected, informed and committed to advocating with integrity.
Question 4
I’m committed to long-term outcomes, not short-term gains. The success and sustainability of this region is deeply personal to me. I’ve dedicated my life to gaining education, training and practical experience so I can give back in a meaningful and lasting way.
I bring a combination of lived experience, local knowledge and professional skill. I’ve spent years listening, advocating and working across sectors in Cape York. I understand the importance of practical decision making that includes everyone – residents, workers, Traditional Owners and the Indigenous community, businesses, and families.
Weipa needs practical, locally-driven solutions that reflect the real needs of our people. My vision for Weipa is clear – a well-governed town that plans wisely, listens to its people and acts for the long term. If elected, I’ll bring transparency, accountability and a genuine commitment to building a future that reflects the strengths and aspirations of our whole community.
