Mayor
Barry Hughes is the Mayor of the Etheridge Shire based in Georgetown. Barry resides with his wife Tammy in Georgetown, however originates from at North Head Station Forsayth, which has been in his family for over one hundred years. Barry's roots run deep in the Australian beef industry as well being a proud community member of the Etheridge Shire contributing on many levels of community involvement. These include holding executive positions on the Forsayth All Sports Club, which hosts the Etheridge Shire Show Day held at the Forsayth Turn Out Show Grounds as a premier annual event for the Shire of Etheridge. Currently Barry previously has served the Northern Cattle Industry as President of the Gulf Cattleman’s Association Inc. for the last 11 years. As beef production is the major contributor to the economy of Etheridge Shire this role ensures that a very good knowledge base exists across industry matters. Etheridge Shire has a long and proud history also with the mining and tourist industries that also contribute extensively to the Shire and region as a whole. Barry recognises the significance of such industries and the important roles that they present as job opportunities and career pathways for local residents. Having served previous terms as a Councillor and Deputy Mayor of Etheridge Shire, he is acutely aware of the importance of economic development to sustain the community's and industries across the vast region of North and Northwest Queensland. Therefore, Barry believes collaboration and partnerships are vital across Local Government jurisdictions to capture and leverage opportunities on matters such as strategic road upgrades, water infrastructure development, tourism networks and the like. This will ensure that a higher socio economic profile is attained for the wider region. Barry is very passionate about creating opportunities and pathways for younger members of the community to foster leadership and self-development aspirations to help create a balanced dynamic across industry and community organisations.