Voices for Forrest ready to launch Community Independent to contest federal election
After an extensive search and a rigorous selection process, community group Voices for Forrest will announce a Community Independent candidate to represent the interests of South West residents at the next federal election.
The volunteer-led group will launch the yet-to-be-revealed candidate at Sanctuary Golf Course on Sunday 10th November 2024.
“We were committed to finding a local person who is deeply connected within our community, with the skills, vision, and dedication to doing politics differently,” said Gita Sonnenberg, Convenor of Voices for Forrest.
“The successful applicant has a proven track record of community involvement, leadership, and local advocacy. They are a professional who listens and is driven by a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of local people.”
Prior to searching for and ultimately selecting a Community Independent candidate, Voices for Forrest spent 12 months listening to the community through kitchen table conversations, surveys, pop-up stalls and door-knocking across the electorate of Forrest that covers south-west WA from Harvey to Augusta, including Bunbury and Margaret River.
"What we heard is that 'politics as usual' isn’t working. There is an overwhelming frustration that the major parties are not working to meet the needs and aspirations of the people they are elected to represent," Ms Sonnenberg said.
“People are ready for a different approach. They are tired of being taken for granted, and want a local person, with lived experience in our community to represent them in Canberra - a federal representative who stands up for our region, our families and our communities. They want a representative who will work with us, who listens and prioritises our needs rather than toeing a party line.
"Regional Independents such as Cathy McGowan and Helen Haines have demonstrated that independents deliver results by working with their communities and applying pressure on important issues regardless of who is in government. Their commitment is to the community they represent, free of party politics and career ambition.
"I am confident that Forrest's Community Independent will work collaboratively and effectively with any government - Labor or Coalition to find evidence-based solutions to the challenges facing our communities right now."
The candidate launch will take place on Sunday 10 November from 11am-1pm at the Sanctuary Golf Resort, Old Coast Road, Pelican Point (Eaton). It is a free event and every one is welcome, please RSVP via https://www.voicesforforrest.org/candidate_launch