Mona Hecke’s Legacy: Life After a David vs Goliath Election Battle:
One Woman’s Fight Against the Machinery of Politics and Corporate Power—and the 40% Victory That Paves the Way for Future Candidates
About this article
I wrote this article to highlight a villager—someone with the courage to stand up and give it a go. The tone and direction reflect what I’ve learned, and my intent is to ensure that Mona’s effort was not in vain. I’ve also included comments from campaign supporter Peter Reaburn and Mona herself to provide a fuller perspective.
Steve
In March 2024, the Gold Coast City Council election in Division 10 set the stage for an extraordinary contest. At the heart of it stood Mona Hecke, an everyday resident turned champion for change, who courageously took on a well-oiled political machine backed by significant financial power. Hecke’s campaign wasn’t just a battle—it was a testament to her unwavering commitment to her community. Her 40% share of the vote in the face of such adversity is nothing short of remarkable, sending a powerful message to future candidates about the potential for grassroots success against entrenched incumbents.
The Campaign of an Everyday Villager
Mona Hecke is no stranger to the Division 10 community. A qualified naturopath, community leader, and long-time advocate for local well-being, she entered the political arena with a clear vision: to enhance urban spaces, prioritize sustainable development, and engage her fellow residents. Her candidacy wasn’t about personal ambition but about giving voice to a community tired of being overlooked. Her message of transparency, open dialogue, and community involvement resonated deeply, but her path was anything but easy.
Overcoming Political Obstacles
Mona’s campaign was constantly under siege—deplatformed on social media, limited access to traditional media outlets, and hampered by the shadow of entrenched political power. Darren Taylor, her opponent, had the backing of substantial political networks and financial resources, creating an uneven playing field. Despite this, Hecke’s dedication to honesty and the people of Division 10 shone through.
Peter Reaburn, a staunch supporter of Mona, recalls what drew him to her campaign. “I’ve spent 30 years in leadership roles, and I value openness and transparency. Mona embodies those qualities in a way the incumbent doesn’t. She genuinely listens to the people, not just powerbrokers,” he said. His words reflect the sentiments of many in the community who were moved by her genuine commitment to the common good.
The Result: A Battle Worth Fighting
Despite the election result favoring Taylor, with 58.5% of the vote against Hecke’s 41.5%, Mona’s impressive share of the vote demonstrated a strong desire for change. In a contest where she faced well-established political and corporate powers, earning 40% of the vote was a major accomplishment—one that signals hope for future grassroots candidates.
As Reaburn noted, “Mona brought honesty back into local politics, kept the bastards honest, and stood up for what’s right. We need more of that on the Gold Coast.”
Mona’s Reflection and Next Steps
“Political campaigns can often and quickly become a ground for personal attacks where the essence of political debate is lost, and every election gives us the opportunity to reflect on the candidates, the policies they presented, and the inevitable outcome. Time will tell if the voting public got it right.”
“I’ve never aligned with any political party because I want to support what’s right, not what’s convenient. Elections give us the chance to reflect on policies and candidates, not on character assassinations. Time will tell if voters made the right choice, but what matters is I stood for something meaningful.”
“Not many people will stick their proverbial neck out above the herd and question its direction, but life has always compelled me to do just that. Whether it was leading my children’s school P&C fundraising for building developments, being a first responder at accidents, challenging health directives, questioning public policy, participating in protests, or finally throwing my hat in the ring for four elections (Division 10 in 2016, State in 2017, Mayoral in 2020, and most recently Division 10 in 2024), I have consistently been a strong voice and community champion for positive change.”
After four elections, Hecke is now focused on her strength—advocating for health and well-being. “After eight years of trying to inspire the community to vote against the ‘game of mates,’ it’s clear it’s time for me to focus on what I do best—educating and motivating people to live healthier, happier lives.”
“For those who don’t know, I am a degree-qualified Naturopath and DNA Lifestyle Specialist, who untangles the complexity of science and applies the laws of nature to achieve life-changing outcomes for my clients. I have led the Gold Coast Active & Healthy Alliance and represented my community for many years as an Australia Day Ambassador throughout regional Queensland to share the importance of health, community, and the human spirit.”
Speaking up about injustice is one of Hecke’s greatest drivers. “I hate to see people being taken advantage of by those who have the power to do it. It makes my blood boil when I can clearly see how people are manipulated or charmed by false promises. I’ve never aligned to any political party because of this and will always support what is right and just and fair in the public interest.”
Looking forward, Mona acknowledges her political journey may be at an end. “This is the end of my political journey, and I hope I’ve had some impact on future candidates to always remain authentic and speak from the heart. I’m proud of what I’ve done and know that I can hold my head high knowing that I gave it my best shot, genuinely supported community sentiment, and always took the higher road.”
While unsure if she will remain on the Gold Coast, one thing is for certain: “My strength is my unwavering commitment to make the world a better place, and that kind of gumption is something we could all do with more of.”
Reflections from a Supporter: Peter Reaburn’s Perspective
Peter Reaburn, who supported both Mona’s mayoral and Division 10 campaigns, recalls how her leadership style stood out in contrast to the incumbent: “Mona is all about listening, really listening to people. She’s genuine, cares deeply about the issues, and is willing to stand up to powerful interests. I saw her as the person who could bring honesty back to our community.”
He continued, “Mona has left a lasting impact, even without winning the election. She’s raised awareness about important issues like development and community health, and she’s set a new benchmark for what it means to truly represent your constituents. Her campaign was a breath of fresh air in a system that badly needs reform.”
In Conclusion
A Personal Reflection
On a personal note, I’ve only had the chance to meet Mona once—over coffee, when she first announced her candidacy. I wanted to meet the person behind the reputation and rumors. As life often reminds us, I learned not to assume or offer opinions on things I knew little about. The well-scripted and publicized unsavory narrative that preceded her quickly faded during our conversation, replaced by the reality of a woman with great character and talent—two qualities that, when combined, have the power to amplify any effort. These are traits I value most in leaders, especially when it comes to community and integrity. Mona struck me as someone capable of elevating our community’s aspirations to higher realities—something we should all expect from those in public office.
In Mona, I saw a person who truly understood and valued her community. Without a doubt, she was the best person to achieve the vision she had for Division 10. Earning over 40% of the total vote is an impressive legacy, especially on a shoestring budget and a standing start.
Congratulations, Mona, and I wish you and your family success in your future aspirations. Thank you for your effort.
Steve
About Mona’s Business
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