MEET A LOCAL

Sunshine Coast Mayor

– Rosanna Natoli

The word 'mayor' comes from the French word ‘maire’ – meaning ‘greatest’ or ‘superior’– and is applied to the head man of a village, town or city community.

It came to England with the Norman Conquest in 1066. Following British tradition, Australian mayors are elected through popular ballot at local government elections or a vote amongst councillors. Large cities may elect a Lord Mayor with Royal approval.

Former journalist and TV presenter Rosanna Natoli was recently elected Mayor of Sunshine Coast Council. Rosanna’s Italian parents farmed sugar cane in Bundaberg. Educated in Brisbane, she gained a science degree but realised her interest in current affairs and helping people was better served through journalism.

While waitressing at a lavish wedding at The Sheraton, a guest was impressed by her pronunciation of “prosciutto” and insisted she meet his son Joe who she married in 1989, spending time overseas before moving to the Sunshine Coast.

They ran a restaurant called Tivoli in Caloundra before Joe became a councillor and was Sunshine Coast Mayor for four years. Rosanna did work experience with Sunshine TV, filling in as a ‘temp’ and eventually working full time, travelling to Bundaberg then Maryborough each week and returning home on weekends. The opening of a station in Maroochydore meant a more stable home life and she welcomed two daughters, Ruby and Mia, and a son Roman.

As a popular newsreader on Channel 7, Rosanna is familiar to many people. She is heavily involved in the community and an avid supporter of numerous organisations and charities. In her role as Mayor she can give a voice to those not being heard, especially in hinterland communities. “It’s a natural progression from the many connections I already have and will bring me new relationships.”

“The Sunshine Coast has grown so quickly with more people coming. At present we haven’t got sufficient infrastructure, especially in transport and roads. We must ensure our lifestyle is maintained.”

Rosanna is committed to being open and available. She walks every morning near a beach on weekends, is passionate about the arts, loves singing and theatre, enjoys coffee time with friends and promises she will be visible.

Although the budget is already made, Rosanna wants to ensure that changes to the basics are relevant improvements and visible to the public. Her husband Joe was re-elected as a Division 4 Councillor.

After 29 years no more news reading!

Eileen Walder