Grazier, former champion footballer and father of three, Marshall Chalk has launched his campaign for Division 5 in the forthcoming Scenic Rim Local Government election.

The 38-year-old, fourth generation farmer from Carney’s Creek says he offers voters a more youthful voice in Council.

“I’ve lived in this district all my life except when I was away playing football,” Marshall said. 

“I believe I can relate to the broad sections of our community and represent the diversity of opinions and issues.

“When Rick Stanfield announced he was retiring, I thought it was a good opportunity to step up and show some leadership by standing for Division 5.”

Marshall says his life experience in football, including six seasons in first grade with the Canberra Raiders and a season with the Super League Celtic Crusaders side in Wales, taught him the values of leadership, decision making and working as a team to achieve a good outcome for your club and its supporters.

After retiring from professional football in 2009, Marshall returned home to the family property at Carney’s Creek, where he now runs the successful grazing side of the business.

“I’m a good problem solver and I have clear, solid opinions on issues but I understand how important it is to listen to people, to hear their perspective on issues and then strongly  represent the community’s view in Council.”

Since his return to the district, Marshall has taken the opportunity to become involved in several community organisations.

“I’m a member of Fassifern Lions and have been involved in a number of Club projects, most especially as one of the main organisers of the Light the Sky for Charlee cancer research fundraiser since it began in 2013,” Marshall says.

And he remains a strong supporter of local sports clubs.

“I played for the Fassifern Junior Rugby League Club until I was selected to play for the Ipswich Jets. Now I’m first aid officer for the  Bombers as my children play for the Club.

“I’m still involved in local cricket, playing for the Fassifern Bushrangers and a I’m a member of the Junior Cricket committee.”

Marshall has also been a member of the Carney’s Creek-Croftby Primary Producer Fire Brigade since he was a teenager.

“The fires last year, coming on top of one of the worst droughts we’ve seen, saw our brigade and so many others, on the front line of the fires for weeks on end,” he recalls.

“So when I was asked to take on the position as 4th Officer at our AGM, I decided to step up and agree to it.”

Marshall and his wife, Samantha, are the parents of primary schoolers, Riley and Ted, and baby, Max.

“I know this community. Boonah is my hometown and I also understand the challenges faced by the people living in the outlying districts,” Marshall says.

“It’s a great place to live and bring up a family. It’s a lifestyle I believe in and want to support and work for in Council.

“Representing the people in Division 5 would be an opportunity I would approach with the same focus and determination that I have approached everything in my life.”