The Fairfax Matters 2026 Annual General Meeting closed at 2:35pm on Sunday 16th August, wrapping up an afternoon that ran from the formal business of the AGM through afternoon tea, committee appointments and two thought-provoking guest presentations at St Mark’s Anglican Church Hall, Buderim.
As always, the day looked at where we’ve been, where we are now, and where we need to be — with “people not parties” remaining front and centre of everything Fairfax Matters does. The formal AGM business was wrapped up quickly, with Linda Taylor elected Chairperson and Hugh Butler appointed joint Secretary and Treasurer, before the group moved into afternoon tea, committee appointments and guest speakers.
Hub Leads Appointed
Annie Nolan and Frances Zirkler were appointed onto the committee as Hub Leads, joining the team helping to keep Fairfax Matters connected to communities right across the electorate. More will be appointed — we are looking for people passionate about issues such as housing and the cost of living.
Committee Meetings are Open
Committee meetings are open to all members.
Guest Presentation: Frances Zirkler – “Elders Matters”
Frances Zirkler presented on the issues facing older residents of Fairfax under the theme “Elders Matters”. She noted that the Sunshine Coast has one of the highest concentrations of over-65s, aged care residents and retirement village communities in Australia — a demographic that has traditionally voted conservative, and a large proportion of whom are single, widowed or divorced women. Drawing on Fairfax Matters’ ongoing program of over-65 engagement, the presentation outlined priorities for continuing to listen to and build relationships with this significant part of our community.
Guest Presentation: Prof Max Standage – Projections for the 2028 Election
Prof Max Standage presented on projections for the 2028 federal election. He noted the continuing rise of One Nation, and that while Labor secured a record 94 seats at the 2025 election, this was achieved on a record-low first-preference primary vote of just 34%. Preference flows were significant, with over 24% flowing through to Francine in the final count. Polling indicates that by 2028, One Nation is likely to draw further votes from the LNP, and that Labor together with an independent candidate could make Fairfax a genuine four-way contest.
You can read the full Chairperson’s Report and the complete AGM Minutes for all the details, including the Treasurer’s report and the election of office bearers.
Thank You to Our Attendees
Audrey – Kiamba; Hugh – Buderim; Colin – Bli Bli; Kerry; Vivian – Buderim; Ross – Buderim; Toni – Maroochydore; Gerald – Maroochydore; Susan; Christopher – Buderim; Christopher – Buderim; Christine – Flaxton; Gwen – Buderim; Merilyn – Buderim; Kate – Nambour; Peter – Buderim; Peter – Forest Glen; Helen – Nambour; Linda – Buderim; Christine – Bli Bli; Max – Mapleton; Marissa – Mapleton; Garry – Nambour; Lyn – Flaxton; Meredith – Buderim; Jenny; Michelle – Woombye; Christopher – Buderim; Catherine – Mapleton; Claire – Mons.
Apologies
Ian – Marcoola; Janelle – Maroochydore; Peter – Coolum Beach; Christine – Peregian Springs; Leaf – Yaroomba; Megyn – Currimundi; Judy – Doonan; Anita – Marcoola; Kim – Coolum Beach; Gavin – Meridan Plains; Mary – Mapleton; Jennifer – Buderim; Ed – Buderim; Bill – Buderim; Ted – Mapleton; Bruce – Flaxton; Christine – Mons; Jenny – Buderim; Sandra – Mudjimba; David – Marcoola; Vivienne – Buderim; Graeme; Deborah – Rosemount; Kathryn; Wende – Sippy Downs; Martin – Peregian Springs; Michael – Coolum Beach; Murray; Dale – Maroochydore; Jacques – Mapleton; Paul – Buderim; Christine – Buderim; Narelle – Mapleton; John – Woombye; Michael – Coolum Beach; Steve; Gregory – Buderim.
