Wendy Trow CSM I have lived and worked in Balingup since 1998. Prior to that I worked in the air forces of UK, Australia and in civil aviation (with a few other jobs thrown in along the way!). My first regional job was as a Telecentre Coordinator and it was during that time I joined several community groups – discovering my real passion was in community work. I eventually landed my dream job working as a Community Development Officer for the Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup and it was here that I experienced firsthand the challenges of working in local government. In 2011-2013, I completed an 18 month Ausaid tour working as a volunteer in Cambodia. I continue to support my Cambodian friends by visiting each year and raising funds through my “One Family” project. This project supports families living in some of the poorest rural areas in Cambodia and has taught me the value of freedom, democracy and social justice. I retired when I returned to Australia but in 2016, I became actively engaged in the anti-fracking movement and my disappointment with the decision making processes of State government led to me carrying out extensive research into political party donations. In 2019, I announced I was running as an Independent in the WA State Election but a bout of ill health made me re-think the idea and I withdrew in October 2020. I still think that independent members of parliament are better placed to represent their communities than members representing major parties. I want my elected representative to make decisions based on the wishes of the community; with well researched factual evidence and most of all, honesty and integrity.

hi I'm Norman Pater, lucky husband, father and grandfather. I'm a retired software entrepreneur and now focus on climate and biodiversity initiatives. I believe social enterprise, philanthropy and impact investments can be very effective change agents. After the Black Summer bushfires I started a not-for-profit organization which aims to help restore landscapes and create wildlife corridors. My grounding is a degree in Commerce and an MBA. I have served on numerous private, public, listed and not-for-profit boards over the last 37 years, including ZEN Energy, Silver Chain (advisory role), CCWA and EDO. In my experience, industry and society need clear mandates and guard-rails set by governments. I now use my knowledge and experience to advocate for these, particularly in matters affecting our natural environment. I'm passionate about leaving the world in a better state than it is now. Politics used to be something I watched on Insiders each Sunday morning. I realise now that it is the key machinery that enables or blocks so much of what our community needs: fair representation and action on big issues. Therefore I am getting more engaged in our political processes, to drive better outcomes for all. Voices for Forrest executive committee (treasurer)  

Hi, I'm Gita, nice to meet you! I'm the coordinator of Voices for Forrest and I live in Margaret River. I have a background in project management, business finance, IT and psychology. I gained my working experience both in business and not-for-profit organizations in many different sectors: business consulting, banking, government, IT. I moved to Australia nine years ago and am a proud citizen. I love Australia, I'm very grateful to be here. I feel a real drive to help look after the community that I am part of, whether it's my street, the town where I live, the electorate of Forrest or the wider community. I've volunteered with Nature Conservation Margaret River, CCWA and Vinnies, among many others. When I learned about Voices for Forrest, it felt like just the right kind of movement. A positive movement to aim for political representation which is truly community driven and values based.  My favorite quote: "The state of the nation starts in the street where we live and in the choices we each make" - Hugh Mackay