Mayor and Councillors

Elected to Council in 2009 and serving as Mayor since 2018, I am deeply committed to the sustainability, health, and wellbeing of our communities. My focus is on fostering progressive development that supports farmers, industry, small businesses, tourism, and young people—ensuring our towns remain vibrant and viable through smart infrastructure investment.

I bring a practical, common-sense approach to leadership, always striving to use ratepayer funds wisely and effectively.  Having lived self-sufficiently off-the-grid in a bush environment for over 37 years, I’ve gained a deep respect for our natural surroundings and a strong understanding of climate resilience and environmental stewardship.

I’m honoured to have been inducted onto the Honour Roll of Women in 2011, awarded an OAM for community service in 2018, and recognised as the ‘Inspiring Leader in Local Government’ on International Women’s Day last year. I proudly represent Tasmania’s 29 councils on the Family and Sexual Violence Consultative Group and currently serve as the State Government’s Ambassador for the ‘Hearing Lived Experience’ campaign—amplifying voices in the fight against family violence.

Read the Mayor's Message 2024-2025 here.

Elected to council in October 2011. For over 26 years, my family and I have been proud to call the Northern Midlands home. I am passionate about continuing the work I have started in the local government sector, not only being a strong voice for regional and rural communities but also a person of action, ensuring positive change happens and communities thrive. This is a wonderful place to live— and I want to do all I can to secure our community's long-term future. Through my community activities and role within the council, I hope to leave a lasting legacy for the future, ensuring our region is strong and sustainable. I consider myself very approachable, honest and transparent; applying a common sense point of view towards all issues put forward. It is important to me that I demonstrate these values at all times to the communities I am privileged to represent.

The former Northern Midlands Courier editor and publisher Alison Andrews (nee Carins) has been a journalist and writer since she started her journalism cadetship at The Examiner Newspaper, Launceston, Tasmania in 1970.

She has worked for a number of media organisations both locally and interstate, is a published author and has run her own media and public relations company.

Alison worked for many years as The Examiner’s chief reporter and chief of staff and in media and communications in federal politics before taking over ownership and operation of The Courier.

She sold The Courier to a Tasmanian independent publishing company late last year after a record couple of years for circulation and advertising revenue for the newspaper.

The following month she was elected as one of the Northern Midlands Council’s new councillors.

Alison and her husband Rex Heathcote, moved home to Longford to live nearly 10 years ago.

She grew up here and is the third generation of her family to live on Wellington Street, Longford and serve as a local government councillor.

I am a farmer at Longford, married with three adult children and elected to Council in 2022.

Our family also runs a heritage/agri-tourism business which was started in 1987.

I am determined to preserve the environment, lifestyle and prosperity that we enjoy in the Northern Midlands and have been involved in many community groups over the years.

Good management is increasingly complex around the key issues of governance, planning, financial sustainability and climate change.

Elected in 2014, I was the former Federal Member for Lyons for twenty years and also previously served with the State Government. I have lived most of my life in Northern Midlands, starting work at the Longford meatworks, and I am currently again living in Longford. I know the Northern Midlands very well and want to see it develop as an exciting place to live while valuing the heritage and tourism opportunities more fully. I believe we need greater investment and more careful planning to ensure Northern Midlands goes forward itself before involving us with other Northern Tasmania priorities.

I was born in Longford and, 53 years later, I am proud to still call it home. For the past 14 years, I have worked diligently in local government, committed to serving the Northern Midlands community.

As an active councillor, I have consistently listened to residents and advocated on the issues that matter most to everyday people. My broad knowledge of legislation and policy, combined with years of experience, enables me to effectively represent the community and deliver outcomes across the municipality.

I make myself available 24/7, seven days a week, with no exceptions. Residents know they can rely on me to stand with them and champion their concerns. I am deeply passionate about the Northern Midlands and remain committed to supporting its growth and prosperity.

I want to continue building a strong and vibrant community where the Northern Midlands remains a special place to live, work, and raise a family.

First elected in 2007, I am a high school teacher with a mechanical and construction trade background. I gained a tertiary education at the University of Tasmania (Bachelor of Education). I am married with three children and live at Longford. I grew up at Cressy and I have gained first hand experienced living, working and building my dreams and hopes in the Northern Midlands. I have a strong commitment to the environment and heritage and will ensure that all residents and businesses are fairly represented and consulted on the future decisions of the Northern Midlands Council.

Born and bred in the township of Longford, attended Longford Primary, before moving onto St Patricks College for secondary education.

Although having significant business interests beyond the NMC district, Longford and the Northern Midlands will always truly be home.

Up until 2022, I was privileged the play in Longford Football Clubs last premiership in 1991 and before that the 1986 NTFA Centenary Premiership Cup.

Having the utmost confidence and passion for the long terms opportunities the Northern Midlands District presents, I will do all possible to seek the highest levels of Governance to ensure that growth and confidence of residents and businesses residing under this great Historical Municipality

I was privileged to have been elected in 2022. I spent my career in Local Government working as an Inspector, Finance Manager and Policy Officer. I held positions as Senior Ministerial Advisor working in several portfolios including Local Government, Primary Industries, Small Business, and Water.

I worked to facilitate a number of initiatives and strategies for the betterment of communities, and I am a strong advocate for transparency and accountability.

I know the challenges facing farmers, have run a sheep and cattle property. In my spare time I enjoy, volunteering at heritage properties informing visitors on Tasmania’s colonial and convict history.

I am passionate about serving the community and listening to what matters to you, so we can make the Northern Midlands an even better place to live. 

Click on this link to go to the Councillor Gift Register