Mayor reflects on pressure, privilege & plans to run again
Two years into her term, Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli says the role has taught her just how broad, demanding and community-focused local government leadership can be.
From budgets, briefings and disaster management to community events, emails, media interviews and long-term planning for 2032, Mayor Natoli says the job is driven by one central challenge: managing growth while protecting what people love about the region.
In this Q&A, Mayor Natoli reflects on the privilege and pressure of the role, the financial challenges facing Council, the importance of being present in the community and why she will ask Sunshine Coast voters to support her again in 2028.
Q: Two years into the role, what has the experience of being Mayor taught you? ... “The role is multi-faceted and complex: community facing, working as one of eleven councillors in a group, while also being the leader. Plus, being the public face and spokesperson for the organisation is an important part of the role. I started a hashtag #whatdomayorsdo to try to document all of the different things I do – day to day. I have also learned how many different services Council provides, across so many aspects of daily life. This job has also taught me how much energy I have and how much the role really needs!”
Q: People see you across a huge number of issues and events. Can you describe what the role demands day-to-day, and how you stay across it all? ... “Everything from being across strategies and reports (lots of reading) to coordinating budgets and allocations (lots of figures), to meetings with residents, briefings from officers, media interviews, speeches/openings/ceremonial events, creating social media posts, responding to the many emails my office receives each day – and I really do read them all, working with the councillors on the big issues facing our region, chairing the Ordinary Meeting, chairing the Local Disaster Management Group. Plus, there is liaising with other levels of government, working in relation to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and supporting the community groups where I am a patron or ambassador. Managing the growth while protecting what we love about the region – that’s the number one driver.”
Q: You’re known for your strong presence at community events. Why is that important to you, and what do you take from those interactions? ... “I made a promise to be a Mayor for the whole community. To me, that means being there with my community – being available, accessible, approachable. Attending as many events as possible is the physical embodiment of that promise. It is how I demonstrate my genuine passion for people and interest in their lives and activities – and how that intersects with Council. It also allows me to hear firsthand from everyday locals about the issues impacting their lives. To me, that ‘listening’ is absolutely vital.”
Q: What drives you in the role, particularly during the more demanding or challenging periods? ... “What a privilege is it to be Mayor of a region as beautiful as the Sunshine Coast. There is so much opportunity, so many different industries and sectors, so much culture and art - so much to celebrate! That drives me. Wanting to ensure our lifestyle is protected into the future and ensuring every ratepayer dollar is spent wisely – they are major goals. It’s such a fine balance and that’s the challenge. I think people want to know Council is being financially responsible and looking after the best interests of the area.”
Q: What have been the most rewarding aspects of the job so far? ... “I have a quote on my wall – it’s something Jelena Dokic said to me. “We can’t change the world, but we can change someone’s world.” That’s what I strive for. And, it’s incredibly rewarding to know I have made a difference in someone’s world. I get a real buzz when people walk up to me in the street to say hello.”
Q: What have been the toughest aspects? ... “Without question, sorting out the financial situation - no one runs for election to do less. However, really solid financial stewardship is my duty. It is what the people of the Sunshine Coast expect and absolutely deserve. Rising fuel costs and the ever-increasing costs in construction are really putting pressure on all of our projects. It is very similar to the pressure everyone is feeling on their household budgets too.”
Q: When you look ahead to the remainder of your term, what do you most want to achieve? ... “Trust. I want our community to trust me, my councillor colleagues and the Council to serve our people well. I want to achieve better communication through many channels. And I want to see the delivery the infrastructure projects we have been promised. 2032 is an opportunity and I genuinely want us to benefit long into the future.”
Q: You’re obviously enjoying the job. Are you running again? ... “I’m loving it – and yes! I will be asking the people of the Sunshine Coast to support me as Mayor at the election in 2028.”
Q: What else would you like to say? ... “Thank you. Thank you for entrusting me with the honour of being Mayor. I don’t take my position for granted, nor do I make decisions lightly. For me, it’s all about having an honest, real relationship with the people of the Sunshine Coast – as we all travel through the next decade together. It’s going to be incredible!”
Mayor Rosanna Natoli.