#4 Janelle Poole - "If Not Me, Then Who?"

In this episode, Matt O’Hanlon sits down with Janelle Poole, Member for Mundingburra and a former frontline police officer with nearly three decades of service in Townsville. From chasing offenders in a suit to running a campaign during cancer treatment, Janelle’s story is anything but ordinary.

She opens up about her unexpected leap into politics, her deep roots in the Townsville community, and why she believes leadership is about showing up, rolling up your sleeves, and doing the hard things — even when no one’s clapping.

Janelle also shares raw insights into her cancer diagnosis, the challenges of working in youth justice, and her mission to shift the narrative around young people and crime in North Queensland. It’s an unfiltered, inspiring conversation that captures the heart of Townsville and the resilience of someone who simply “gets shit done.”

Whether you’re into politics, community leadership, or just love a damn good yarn, this episode is for you.