Did anything good come out of 2020?
Whenever something bad happens, it can bring out both the best and the worst in people. Here in Brisbane, we’ve seen far more of the best coming out in people than the worst! I think Brisbane residents understand that while many things have been very tough this year, we are very fortunate compared to so many other parts of Australia and the world.

It has been such a privilege to see an outpouring of community spirit in many positive ways this year. After 15 years as a councillor, the only other time I have seen such positive community spirit is after the 2011 floods. I also think there’s been a newfound appreciation for the small things in life – for me it’s been the extra time that I’ve had with Nina and the kids this year.

What’s your favourite Christmas memory?
For me it’s watching the kids unwrap their presents. Seeing the delight on their faces is priceless.

Are you a summer or a winter person?
It’s simply not possible to have a bad season in Brisbane! For me, summer means the chance to relax, have a swim and spend time at the beach. Having said this, I think winter in Brisbane is actually the best time of year. Our winter days are perfect – crisp mornings turn into warm sunny days with incredible clear blue skies. Not too cold, not too hot. Our winter is like summer in many parts of the world

How do you stay resilient during periods of change, like the year just gone?

I know many people can relate to the feeling of having an incredibly stressful day and how grounding it can be to come home to family. Having four young kids aged between two and eight keeps me resilient and ready for the unexpected. Some days it’s a dream run and other days everything that could possibly go wrong, does go wrong.

But on a more serious note, having served as a councillor during the 2011 floods has taught me to expect the unexpected at work. You’ve got to expect that in a short period of time your day can change dramatically. When it happens – you just have to adapt!

Who were your heroes of 2020?

Dr Jeannette Young and all of our essential workers who kept us safe and functioning in one of the most testing years of the century.

Your secret ambition?

I’d love to go skydiving. Of course, I’d have to see if Nina would approve first!

Favourite end-of-year holiday spot?

Normally it’s Straddie, but this year we’re staying here in Brisbane.

What are you hoping for next year?

It’s not a hope, but rather an ambition. Brisbane City Council is 100 per cent focused on helping our local community and businesses get back to their thriving selves and we’ll be fast-tracking some incredible projects – Victoria Park, Brisbane Metro, new green bridges – to help get our city moving.

Hot Christmas dinner, or cold?

Both. Ham, turkey and fresh seafood.

People/businesses to watch in 2021?

We have so many incredible local businesses in Brisbane doing ground-breaking things, so it’s hard to pick just one. The Lord Mayor’s Business Awards as well as the Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business awards reveal our most innovative business change-makers each year. My tip is to keep an eye on the nominees and winners over the coming 12 months if you want to see the best of the best in Brisbane’s business community.