About the panellists

Cr Jenna Davey-Burns

Jenna Davey-Burns is a Councillor at the City of Kingston: Mayor November 2023 to October 2024 and Deputy Mayor November 2021 to November 2022. A passionate gender and human rights policy specialist with experience across both Not-for-Profit and Government sectors, Jenna has worked closely with women affected by the 2009 Black Saturday Bushfires, undertaken inter-governmental policy work with the United Nations Inter-Agency project on anti-human trafficking in Bangkok, and advised on implementation of the Royal Commission into Family Violence with Djirra.

Jenna has completed the Cranlana Colloquium and holds a Masters in International Politics and a Bachelor of Arts (Criminology and Gender Studies) from the University of Melbourne. A passion for creating change has led Jenna to become a foster carer as well as mentoring through Leadership Victoria, teaching English at AMES and the Sudanese-Australian Integrated Learning School in Dandenong. Currently Jenna works in Aboriginal Health and is a member of the Victorian Local Government Mayoral Advisory panel. Jenna was a Director on the board of Cambodian Kids Can from 2014 to 2018, dedicated to improving educational opportunities for young women in Cambodia.

Cr Emelda Davis

(Waskam) Emelda Davis is a Councillor at the City of Sydney, the first Black woman elected to council in 180 years. She offers a fresh viewpoint on cultural diversity, climate action, First Nations and grassroots social policy, with leadership experience across all tiers of government and United Nations platforms.

Emelda is also second generation born Australian South Sea Islander (ASSI), a descendant of our Pacific slave trade to NSW in 1847.

A passionate volunteer community builder and long-term resident of Pyrmont for over two decades, Emelda has worked effectively across corporate and grassroots sectors including advisor to State, Federal and Commonwealth Government agencies on culturally specific indigenous knowledges.

In serving the city, Emelda is Deputy Chair of Resilient Communities and Economy Committee, the Lord Mayor’s delegate on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Panel, the Lord Mayor’s delegate on the Multicultural Advisory Panel, the Alternate Chair of the Local Pedestrian Cycling and Traffic Calming Committee.

A dedicated advocate for ASSI’s, during Emelda’s first term on Council saw the Blackbirded South Sea Islanders 175th anniversary recognised through an annual flag raising as part of a Council resolution ‘to recognise and support ASSI’s’, a follow up letter sent to 500 councils across Australia encouraged others to follow suit.

As a founder of ASSI – Port Jackson, Emelda’s achievements include 2020-CALD Panel for Women’s Business, Women for Election Australia Ambassador, awarded NSW Parliament Recognition Statement by the Member for Sydney and Legislative Assembly-Mr. Alex Greenwich, NSW Premiers Multicultural Community-Settlement Services International – Human Rights Award. Emelda is also the first ASSI person to complete an ASSI oral history thesis ‘Children of the Sugar Slaves; Black and Resilient.’ Recipient of 2017 Rotary Inspirational Woman, Ultimo PS Sydney Inspirational Wall Medal, 2016-NSW Women of the Year (Sydney Local), 2015- NSW Council for Pacific Communities ‘Stronger Communities Award’ and 2022 International Council on Monuments and Sites ‘Caring for Country’ committee award.

Emelda is an advisor to Politics in Colour, various state ASSI leaders and organisations, has worked with Vanuatu Government officials, and is advisor to the International Coalition Sites of Conscience Board of Trustees.

An ongoing champion for Climate Justice and Social Housing, Emelda sees her time on Council as a privilege to work with all communities to bring about meaningful change.

Cr Amy Eden

Elected in March 2024, Mayor Amy Eden is focused on delivering a better, brighter future for the people of Cairns.

With a long history dedicated to the service of others, Amy’s experience as a social practitioner and program director in some of the region’s most far-reaching and impactful public sector and NGO organisations, has seen her foster opportunities for local youth, families, those with mental health issues, and Indigenous people.

Her role in these organisations has been motivated by a genuine and unwavering commitment to enhancing the wellbeing of everyone around her – a commitment she carries with her into the position as the second ever female Mayor of Cairns.

Bringing a demonstrated ability to effectively connect and work with diverse communities, and robust expertise in program delivery in complex environments, Amy embraces an honest, accountable, and collaborative approach to leadership that ensures every voice is heard and recognised. She sees local government as the bridge between policy and people and cultivates close relationships to enable the realisation of collective prosperity.

Invested in both the present and the years that lie ahead, Amy welcomes innovation and advancement where it is in the best interest of Cairns’ residents, and advocates strongly for sustainable practices that uplift and protect the invaluable natural environment.

Driving every decision, Amy acknowledges the importance of ‘Cairnsness’, and continuing to respect and invest in the unique spirit and identity of the region, shaped by its history, diversity, geography and people.