Dale Appleton’s dedication to rural and remote communities has been acknowledged by Isaac Regional Council mayor Anne Baker following the announcement of the former deputy mayor’s resignation from council.
Cr Appleton made the announcement on Thursday, citing a need to focus on his expanding family organic beef business across seven properties – Bulliwallah, Yarmina, Beelarong, Craven, Islay Plains, Tango, and Star Downs.
Cr Baker said his last day, on September 30, would be a sad one for Isaac’s communities.
“I have enormous respect for Dale and he leaves behind a lasting legacy and big boots to fill,” she said.
“What has always struck me about Dale is his dedication to rural and remote communities, his strong business sense, and salt-of-the-earth approach to life.
“He is a humble community leader, a tireless worker and has been a valuable asset to the council team.”
Cr Appleton was first elected as a division 1 councillor in May 2009, going on to become deputy mayor from 2012 to 2016, and he has represented the region as a member of AgForce, the Mistake Creek Progress Association, and the Clermont Saleyards Committee.
The Appleton family runs up to 40,000 head of cattle on around 195,000 hectares and Dale is a fourth generation Clermont district resident.
Finishing school in Grade 9, he began his grazing career in his early twenties with a 526 hectare property bought from his uncle.
“That’s the great thing you can do in this life, you can start small and keep expanding. There are great opportunities in the bush, you just have to make it work,” he said.
“I’ve always believed, where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
Back then his thoughts were far from politics. It wasn’t until he was much older, his parents became ill and he wanted to be closer to town that he thought of throwing his hat in the ring and giving back to his community.
After more than eight years on the council, Dale said it had been an honour to serve Isaac’s rural and remote communities.
“My proudest moment was seeing 28 kilometres of bitumen go on the Clermont-Alpha Road – a major win for our communities.”
Cr Appleton’s resignation is effective from September 30, with a by-election to be held within the following 12 weeks.
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
