David Kippin For Mayor

18/11/2025

Congratulations to Mayor-Elect Nick Dametto on a stunning victory.

It was a very successful campaign and a remarkable result. The level of support Nick was able to mobilise was clearly a driving force behind his success.

As a proud Townsvillian, I sincerely wish him every success in delivering on his commitments and leading the city forward. When Townsville thrives, we all benefit.

To everyone who supported me on this journey, thank you. Your encouragement, belief and countless volunteer hours meant the world. While we didn’t get the result we hoped for, I’m incredibly proud of the values, ideas and integrity behind the campaign we ran, and the vision we shared.

In the words of CS Lewis
"Onward and Upward! To Narnia (Townsville) and the North"

– David Kippin

14/11/2025

🗳️ This is it, Townsville. It’s time to Vote KippIN.

📬 Haven’t voted yet? You still have time to make your vote count — but you must act today!
✅ If you’ve received your postal vote pack, complete it now and place it in an Australia Post box by 6PM tonight, Saturday 15 November.
📮 Haven’t received your ballot?
➡️ Visit the ECQ Returning Office at:
Unit 95, 55 Boundary Street (Reid Park Pit Complex, level 1, lift available)
🕗 Open until 6pm today

📞 Or call the ECQ on 1300 881 665 for help.
🔗 More info: ecq.qld.gov.au/townsville

14/11/2025

📍 Honouring Service on the Path of Remembrance

Today, I had the honour of joining veterans, families, and community leaders for the official opening of The Path of Remembrance at The Oasis Townsville.

It was a humbling experience to meet two veterans who had flown from Melbourne and Brisbane, both born and raised right here in Townsville, to celebrate their service and see their pavers laid. Their quiet pride and commitment to still serving others left a lasting impression.

One of the most personal moments for me was seeing the five pavers honouring members of my own family who served in the ADF, including my late father, Captain Eric Kippin, my hero and best mate.
📷 I even found an old photo of us at 14, both receiving awards during a special Army ceremony. A proud memory I’ll always carry.

To be able to stand on that path today, salute my father’s name, and feel the presence of so many stories etched into stone, it was deeply moving.
🪖 The Oasis Townsville plays a vital role in supporting those who have served and their families. It’s more than a building, it’s a lifeline.

We now need the Federal Government to ensure this facility is funded for the long term. Townsville is a proud garrison city, and our veterans deserve security, support and respect, not uncertainty.

Thank you to the Oasis Board and team for continuing to serve those who served us.

14/11/2025

🗳️ Missing Your Ballot? Here’s What To Do — Act Now!

We’ve heard from a few people who haven’t received their postal ballot for the Townsville Mayoral By-Election. Don’t worry, you won’t be fined if you act now. ✅

Here’s what to do:
📬 Check your PO Box or alternate mailing address if you have one.
📞 Still no ballot? Call the ECQ urgently on 1300 881 665 or
📍 Visit the Returning Office at:
Reid Park Pit Complex
Unit 95, 55 Boundary Street, Railway Estate (first floor, lift available)
🕗 Open: until 5pm, Friday 14 November
🕗 Open: 8am – 6pm, Saturday 15 November
📍 Google Maps link: https://share.google/GGZStQ6WTM73pqV24

💡 If you have your ballot:
✔️ Fill it out
✔️ Sign the declaration envelope (with a witness!)
📮 Post it in an Australia Post box by 6pm Saturday 15 November

ℹ️ More info: ecq.qld.gov.au/townsville

Let’s make sure every vote counts.
Thank you for being part of this important election.

14/11/2025

14/11/2025

📣 From David Kippin: Leadership You Can Trust

I’ve spent decades working to make Townsville stronger through business, community leadership, and service.

Along the way, I’ve faced challenges, setbacks, and difficult decisions. That’s real leadership. You don’t get results without getting your hands dirty. What matters is showing up, contributing meaningfully, and staying the course when it counts.

📍 I’ve always acted with integrity, purpose, and pride for this city.

✅ I don’t make empty promises.
✅ I don’t walk away when things get tough.
✅ I don’t trade values for votes.

That’s the kind of Mayor I’ll be — focused, disciplined, and committed to delivering a better future for Townsville.

📄 Get to know the person behind the plan. I invite you to read my story and lifelong commitment to this city.

🗳️ There’s one day left for postal votes. Let’s restore trust, pride, and real purpose in our Council.

13/11/2025

🪖 Defence is in our DNA — now it’s time to lead.
Townsville is at the centre of Australia’s Defence build-up, with a 100% increase in helicopter capacity, a 1,000% rise in armoured vehicles, and major growth in logistics, training, and jobs.

If elected, I’ll ensure Council plays its role, as a partner, not a roadblock, to help Townsville seize this opportunity.

🤝 That means:
✅ Reintroduce a Defence Advisory Committee to Council
✅ Strengthen collaboration with local industry and contractors
✅ Ensure Council helps, not hinders, the rollout of Defence investment

💬 “One of the astute skills of a well-led Council is knowing when to give ‘boots and all’ support — and when to step back and not be an impediment.”

Townsville’s future is strategic, secure and full of opportunity. Let’s lead it with purpose and pride.

📄 Read the full media release right here

13/11/2025

Townsville must embrace its role in Australia’s Defence future 🪖

It was a pleasure hearing from Brigadier Ben McLennan at this morning’s State Development Industry Breakfast.

🤝 One of my key commitments is to reopen Townsville City Council to genuine industry engagement including the reintroduction of a Defence Advisory Committee to meet with Council every two months.

🚁 The Brigadier reinforced that Townsville is front and centre in the Australian Army’s national build-up, with major growth in helicopter and armoured vehicle capacity, and significant opportunities in supply, construction, maintenance, and workforce development.

“One of the astute skills of a well-led and highly functioning Council is knowing when to provide ‘boots and all’ support for a project, and when to step back and not be an impediment.” – David Kippin

Local government must play a critical role in unlocking these opportunities. Under my leadership, Council will work hand-in-hand with Defence, industry, and community to ensure Townsville leads with Leadership and Pride.

12/11/2025

📣 Local Jobs Need a Council That Works With Business, Not Against It.
Townsville’s future depends on strong local enterprise — not more red tape.

More than 65% of our workforce is employed in the private sector. But too often, business is held back by delays, poor communication, and inconsistent Council decisions.

If elected Mayor, I’ll:
✅ Cut roadblocks to growth
✅ Put jobs and local enterprise at the centre of Council policy
✅ Establish regular, structured dialogue with business leaders
✅ Focus on real value for ratepayers, not political spin

Because business confidence drives jobs, investment and community pride.
📄 Read the full media release right here

12/11/2025

📅 The first six months matter.
Big promises mean nothing without a realistic and achievable plan.
My 6-Month Plan delivers action. It will restore leadership, rebuild trust and protect your ratepayer dollar.

Let’s bring accountability back to Townsville.

✅ Vote David Kippin for a stronger, more responsible future