About Margaret de Wit

Leadership. Dedication. Community Spirit.

Margaret de Wit is the Brisbane City Councillor for the Ward of Pullenvale, in Brisbane's west - a position she has held since being elected in 1997.

Following Lord Mayor Campbell Newman's success in gaining a majority at the 2008 election, Margaret fulfilled the important role of Chairman of Council, which is similar to the Speaker of the House in the State Government, from 2008 until July 2010.

From 1 July 2010, Margaret has taken on the important portfolio of Public and Active Transport. As Chairman of the Committee, she is responsible for delivering a number of key commitments including 500 new buses, a fleet of 19 CityCats, $100 Million in new bikeway infrastructure, two new bus depots and two new CityCat terminals by 2012. Additionally, the portfolio also includes CityCycle, Australia's first European style bicycle hire scheme.

Cr de Wit is also the Brisbane City Council's representative and Junior Vice-President on the Executive of the Local Government Association of Queensland Ltd.

Cr de Wit has a wealth of experience having previously held many portfolios including:

• Deputy Chairman of the Roads, Transapex and Traffic Committee
  
• Lord Mayor's Spokesman on Finance (including preparation of the Council budgets)
  
• Opposition Spokesman on Transport and Traffic (Soorley administration)
  
• Leader of the Opposition

Cr de Wit brought to her role as Councillor strong leadership skills, a passion for people and a history of community involvement. Prior to being elected she worked in the not-for-profit sector and also as a volunteer with St Vincent de Paul. This was after a career spanning nearly 20 years at Telecom Australia where she was the State Manager for Corporate Affairs befor resigning in 1992.

Margaret has always enjoyed an active role in her local community and is on the management committee of The Hut Environment and Community Association and the Pullen Pullen Catchments Group (which she founded in 1998). Margaret is an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Kenmore and was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow Award, Rotary's highest award for service to the community, by the Rotary Club of Karana Downs and received a second award from the Rotary Club of Kenmore.

Cr de Wit is Patron of several local orgainsations - Kenmore Meals on Wheels, Bellbowrie Sport and Recreation Club and Bellbowrie Swimming Club. She is also an active member of the Anglican Church and has been a member of the Liberal Party/Liberal-National Party for more than 20 years.

Cr de Wit and her husband, Hank, have lived in the Ward for the past 20 years. She enjoys music, theatre, gardening and walking.