Joel is fighting for economic stability and social inclusion. He grew up outside the small country town of Childers and being the son of a farmer, he knows the importance of support and a feeling of belonging from a tight knit community. He recognises the same passion for inclusion in all the towns and villages across Southern Downs.
After leaving school in Childers he followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the Australian Army. Serving full-time for 8 years he left the regular army with an ingrained sense of duty and a willingness to serve. He moved to Goondiwindi in 2014 where he works in healthcare at the Goondiwindi Hospital.
Joel understands that good access to health services and professional advice will close the gap of health outcomes between urban and rural Queenslanders which will help our community to live longer and happier lives.
Living happier for many of us means having a permanent job. Jobs are under threat in Southern Downs because we have allowed our economy to become a combatant with our Climate. We are taking action on climate change and that includes training and re-training people in the skills for the future, and the jobs of tomorrow.
Joel is active in the community, participating with community groups across Southern Downs, such as Inglewood and Texas Landcare and Warwick Chamber of Commerce. Joel is the Board Chair of Care Goondiwindi which is a disability and community support organisation providing services across the Goondiwindi Region and interstate.
As an active member of the community who lives and works locally, Joel will stand up for Southern Downs and the rural way of life—fighting for the improvement of health services and strong investment in infrastructure, roads and rail.