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Welcome!

We are a grassroots community-led group that believes our political representatives have a responsibility to genuinely listen to, respond to, and support the people of the Forrest Community. At a time when trust in politics and democratic participation is declining, we aim to inspire people to engage and seek better representation. We’ll do this by listening, organising and responding to what matters most.

Our purpose is to ensure that the issues and concerns of the entire Forrest community are heard and understood by our elected Federal representative. We advocate for key shared concerns and demand action.

Have a look at our 3-minute intro:




 

Featured petition

Forrest demands a fair return on gas!

236 SIGNATURES
2,000 signatures

Australia exports more gas than almost any nation on earth. Gas companies are booking record revenues. And Australians are paying some of the highest energy prices in the world.

Our gas belongs to all of us. But a handful of corporations wrote themselves a deal that lets them take the profit and pay next to nothing - while families in Forrest can't get on top of the cost of living. 

A 25% gas export tax could raise $17 billion every year. Imagine what that could mean — better hospitals, cheaper childcare, more teachers in our classrooms, real action on housing affordability, and energy bills that don't keep climbing.

We're calling on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers to introduce a 25% gas export tax,  so this money finally works for the people who own it. Every signature adds to a growing, cross party call for change. The more of us who add our name, the harder this is to ignore. If you agree it's time Australians got a fair return on our resources instead of letting multinationals exploit them for next to nothing - add your name.

Senator David Pocock will be tabling this petition directly  to make sure the decision makers in Canberra know what we in Forrest want them to do. 

Will you add your name?

 

2,000 Signatures

236 Signatures

Will you sign?

Australia exports more gas than almost any nation on earth. Gas companies are booking record revenues. And Australians are paying some of the highest energy prices in the world.

Our gas belongs to all of us. But a handful of corporations wrote themselves a deal that lets them take the profit and pay next to nothing - while families in Forrest can't get on top of the cost of living. 

A 25% gas export tax could raise $17 billion every year. Imagine what that could mean — better hospitals, cheaper childcare, more teachers in our classrooms, real action on housing affordability, and energy bills that don't keep climbing.

We're calling on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers to introduce a 25% gas export tax,  so this money finally works for the people who own it. Every signature adds to a growing, cross party call for change. The more of us who add our name, the harder this is to ignore. If you agree it's time Australians got a fair return on our resources instead of letting multinationals exploit them for next to nothing - add your name.

Senator David Pocock will be tabling this petition directly  to make sure the decision makers in Canberra know what we in Forrest want them to do. 

Will you add your name?

 

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Upcoming events

Sunday, November 01, 2026 at 09:00 AM · 1 rsvp
Wyalup - Rocky Point in Bunbury, Australia

Love Where We Live: Local Gems Clean-Up

From our beaches and rivers to our forests and quiet local reserves, Forrest is full of beautiful places. Some are well-loved favourites, and others are hidden gems you might not know are just down the road. Love Where We Live is our way of getting out, exploring them together and giving them a bit of care in return.

Each month we’ll visit a different spot somewhere in the electorate, spend an hour or so picking up rubbish, and then take some time to enjoy where we are. It’s a chance to meet neighbours, have a chat, discover somewhere new and leave it looking even better than we found it.

We believe the best things happen when locals come together, look after the places we share and talk about what matters to us. If you’d like to share what you love about our area, or what you’d like to see change, we’d love to hear it over a chat on the day.

Everyone is welcome. Bring the kids, bring your mum, bring your mates from down the street. No experience needed, just a willingness to pitch in and have a good time.

This is a monthly series, so come when you can. Every bit of help makes a difference, whether you join us once or every time. Get outside, explore your backyard and help us look after the places that make Forrest special. We’d love to see you there.

When: Sunday, 1st November at 9am
Where: Wyalup Rocky Point - Meet at the BBQ area by the car park
Bring: A hat, water, sunscreen, gloves and closed-toe shoes. We’ll provide extra gloves and bags.

Voices for Forrest acknowledges the Noongar people, the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters where we live and gather. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. As we come together to care for these special places on Noongar Boodjar, we recognise that Noongar people have cared for this land for tens of thousands of years, and continue to do so today.


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Our Executive Committee:

Thomas Chadwick
Convenor I have spent most of my life in the South West, and now my wife and I are raising our two young children in Busselton. I love our region, and as a long-time volunteer and community advocate, I’ve seen the power and strength of our community and the people who show up for it. But too often our politics isn’t delivering. Our representatives are not connected to the people they’re meant to serve, and many in our community feel unheard. I believe our movement is an effective and practical way to change that – by supporting representation that genuinely reflects our community, with a focus on integrity, transparency and evidence in decision-making. That’s why I volunteer with Voices for Forrest. The moment is right, and the movement is growing. If you want better representation for Forrest, join us. Come and have a conversation, and tell us what matters to you.
Jodi Larke
TreasurerA little bit about me; I live in Withers, I work in Health and have a Physiotherapy background, I am married with two young daughters and love to play hockey. I feel so lucky to live in such a magnificent place and I care deeply about our local environment and the people who live here.I joined Voices For Forrest because I believe in participatory democracy and I want Forrest to have political representatives that really listen to community and represent them well.
David Mitchell
I have been impacted by my time growing up in the South West, Perth, Sydney and London.I am actively involved in the Save Smiths Beach Again campaign that has been one of the longest political battles in Forrest. I have also been involved in the ‘Voices’ movement in WA for the last 4 years and have a passion for community advocacy on planning and environmental issues affecting the region.
Sue Chapman
I'm pleased to return to the Voices for Forrest Committee.I intentionally stepped back after running as the Independent candidate in March 2025. I needed time to regroup, refresh and recommit. I am now incredibly excited by the opportunity to engage with our Electorate of Forrest and help bring about change in our representation. I firmly believe that our democracy needs interested individuals to join together to create opportunities for progressive politics to take centre stage.I am committed to bringing people together from all walks of life to ensure Forrest thrives as a connected, healthy community where our Federal Lower House Representative looks after our interests as a priority- not those of a Party.
Trish Delaney
The Shire of Dardanup has been home since 2009. Over the years, I have volunteered for Bunbury Fringe, Bunbury Neighbourhood Soup, TEDx Bunbury, Boomerang Bags, Responsible Runners, Greater Bunbury Partnerships in Prosperity and Bunbury Insight Food Truck Festival. During summer, you'll find me down at Koombana playing beach volleyball. I love where we live and enjoy getting involved in the events that bring us together.I joined V4F during the last election. Being from the states and watching what happens when citizens become complacent has motivated me to become more active in our democracy. We all have a responsibility to ensure we pass on a better world to younger generations and I believe it starts local.  Who we vote in to represent us matters, and I want to make sure I do my part to prepare our community for the next election.
Wendy Astbury
I moved to Australind in 2000 after 20 years in the Pilbara. I’ve always been involved in community groups, particularly in relation to those working to save & restore the natural environment. I’m a mother & grandmother, so I want our world to provide a secure future for them.

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