Councillor John Furnell

Biography

Councillor John Furnell is well known amongst the community, having served as a paramedic in the Burdekin for over 20 years. Cr Furnell is now serving his second term as a Councillor of Burdekin Shire Council, first elected in 2020.

Although Cr Furnell is now medically retired from paramedicine, he is still actively working as a Registered Nurse at Ayr Hospital.  Cr Furnell is a dedicated volunteer and member of many community organisations and was awarded Burdekin Citizen of the Year in 2020. Cr Furnell was also a Captain in the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corp - Army Reserves (8544982).

Cr Furnell came to the Burdekin in 1986 and ran 'LJ's Pizza Inn' for five years with his wife Lisa. In 1994, Lisa and John purchased 'Burdekin Swim School' and are still there teaching thirty years on. 

Cr Furnell has a Diploma of Teaching (Australian College of Physical Education), Bachelor of Health Science in Nursing (Southern Cross University) and a Masters of Health Science majoring in Health Promotion (Queensland University of Technology). 

Lisa and John have three adult children living in the Burdekin with their partners and six grandchildren. John's special interest areras are health, youth, ageing adults, business, sports, arts and culture. John wants to see the Burdekin Shire grow through continuous improvements in all aspects of the community. 

Committee Memberships

• Burdekin Local Disaster Management Group 
• Community, Sporting and Cultural Advisory Group
• Community Grants Panel
• Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Committee

Contact Details