We’re a group of passionate Sunshine Coast locals who love where we live and want our politics to serve and inspire our community.
We believe that decades of being ignored as a ‘safe seat’ have left our community under-served and unheard, and as a result we’re not reaching our potential.
So from the Hinterland to the Coast, we’re getting together in living rooms, pubs, cafes, surf clubs and more to find out what matters most to the people of Fairfax, while building a movement for a more ambitious, positive, representative politics that delivers for us.
You can join us at an upcoming Kitchen Table Conversation or another event to have your ideas and views heard. Click here to see our upcoming events, or click here to complete the short community survey.
Fairfax Matters has no affiliation with any political party
Meet the core team
Christine Mohr
Christine's 30-year career as a public health nurse spanned various roles in mental health, communicable diseases, immunization, and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now retired, she brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to public health to the team. Christine believes in the power of community-driven initiatives to bring about positive change and has no political affiliations.
Colin Graham
Colin was the Founding CEO of the Innovation Centre at the University of the Sunshine Coast from 2002 to 2011. Since then he has been a driving force in fostering innovative businesses and regions throughout Australia through his own training and consulting business. Previously, he chaired the Sunshine Coast branch of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, supporting 450 local members. Colin is committed to creating impactful, positive change in his community - including a brighter future for young people - with no political affiliations.
Grant Hinner
With expertise in ESG and sustainability, Grant has dedicated his career to reducing carbon emissions, advancing resource recovery, and addressing climate-related risks across various sectors, including mining, infrastructure, government, and financial services. Since relocating to the Sunshine Coast in 2017 to be closer to family, Grant is now self-employed and deeply invested in his community. He advocates for sustainable land use planning, a just transition to a clean economy, and a political system that remains transparent and accountable to its electors, free from political affiliations.
Janie Burry
With a background in education as a science teacher, community educator, and outreach worker, Janie also has experience in education-related sales. Currently self-employed with a native bee business, she is passionate about environmental sustainability and community engagement. Janie joined the team motivated by the desire for a representative who acts with integrity, truly listens to the people of Fairfax, and takes the climate crisis seriously, without following a party agenda.
Karen Montagu
With over 30 years of experience in marketing communications across Australia and internationally, Karen specializes in sectors including government, education, health and wellbeing, travel and tourism, and small business. Having grown up on the Sunshine Coast, she returned to raise her children in this beautiful region. Frustrated by the lack of sustainable infrastructure development in a safe seat, Karen is committed to advocating for meaningful change, all without any political affiliations.
Merilyn Keene
With 45 years of experience in services ranging from corrective services and disability rehabilitation to aged care and mental health, Merilyn has dedicated her life to supporting others. Now retired, she joined this movement out of a desire to find a more respectful, positive, and constructive approach to community politics. Her goal is to move beyond simply complaining about politics and to actively contribute to a better way forward, without any political ties.
Toni Ellis
Toni retired to the Sunshine Coast after a 45-year career in both the private and public sectors. Her professional journey is marked by her thoughtful leadership and dedication to community service. Now, as she enjoys her well-earned retirement, she focuses on her family and takes pride in her role as a grandparent. Toni is passionate about combating political apathy and encourages voter participation to ensure that government actions align with community needs.
Gina Foster
Gina's background includes public sector policy and legislation, university teaching, business training, and RTO compliance. Her diverse skill set equips her to tackle a range of issues with a strategic and informed approach. Gina is focused on making a difference in her community without any ties to political parties.