Cr Jack Dempsey
Mayor of Bundaberg
As John "Jack" Dempsey was born on 7 April 1966 and was raised in Ipswich.
A keen sportsman, Jack represented Australia in schoolboy's rugby union as well as playing union, rugby league and many other sports. He believes sport is a great educator and provides a great insight into the values of team work, discipline and humility.
His first jobs involved working as a brickies labourer and concreter before involving himself in the transport industry and eventually joining the Queensland Police Force.
Jack travelled extensively throughout his police career which brought him into contact with a lot of characters and a host of genuine Queenslanders.
Jack, Christine and their family made Bundaberg home in 2000 after immediately falling in love with the region.
He was elected Mayor of the Bundaberg region on 10 March 2016 after an extended period in Queensland politics.
Jack is the former State Member for Bundaberg, being elected to that position on 9 September 2006. He held various Ministerial positions culminating with his appointment as Minister for Police and Community Safety in 2013, a position he held until he exited politics on 31 January 2015.
Proud of his role in State Government, Jack brings that same pride to his position as Mayor.
Jack is passionate about the Bundaberg region and is delighted at the opportunity to serve the region and its residents and has pledged to make the Bundaberg Regional Council the envy of Councils across Australia.
He is widely involved in many community groups and organisations and retains a strong interest in sport and recreation activities.