MARANOA, meet Brendan Thomas.

He’s a 28-year-old McDonald’s employee who loves archery and spends his time renovating an old Queenslander.

He’s also running for council in the local government elections in March.

Mr Thomas decided late last year he would attempt to win a council seat, which he said would be used to improving the livelihood of people working in health, aged care as well as young people.

He said improving primary health services were important to him, saying he wanted to see more doctors and nurses moving here and aged care services supported better.

“I’m also passionate about wanting to develop and implement a positive holiday plan for young people to be involved in,” he said.

He also spoke in favour of a recycling plan, but only for Roma.

“I agree with some councillors that recycling should be brought to Roma, but for other towns it’s just unfeasible.”

Having worked in Roma for five years and even marrying a local, Mr Thomas said he cared about the people who live in the Maranoa and wanted to learn what issues affected them.

“There’s a lot I still need to learn - I’ve never done campaigning before,” he said.

“(Working at McDonald’s) means I meet a lot of locals and people visiting our region and (living on a property) gives me a perspective on what farmers are going through.

“I got told by current councillor, both those running again and retiring, that fresh blood is good for the region.”

DOES the Maranoa need young faces? Let us know at editorial@ westernstarnews.com.