Welcome to our call to action!
Politics seems to be an increasingly chaotic game, played by powerful others. We think we have little influence. But the reality is that we together make up society. We all have power, we all pay for our politicians, and we have a right to expect them to do a good job. Our aim as Voices for Forrest is to make sure the voices of the people in Forrest are heard by every level of government and by all decision makers. We are not a political party and we don't claim to speak or act on behalf of the electorate.
Rather, we advocate for better democracy where the voices and needs of the people are prioritised ahead of party positions and political careers. We keep the dream alive...based on evidence and community consultation, and with integrity. The slightly uncomfortable truth is: we can't do democracy for you, you have to do it. We all have the tendency to look to others, to 'leaders', to sort things out for us. More often than not, those 'leaders' either can't, or won't do what we think is needed.
"I realised that there was no cavalry coming over the hill to save us - there was only us" - Cathy McGowan, first Community Independent MP
It's time we all realise: we matter more than we think. And the good news is: there are lots of things you can do!
The easy things:
- Follow us on Facebook / Instagram - like and share our posts :-)
- Sign up for our newsletter
- Follow a community independent legend / trailblazer: David Pocock, Sue Chapman, Kate Hulett, Kate Chaney (and more) - like and share their posts
The social things:
- Come to our coffee mornings in Busselton and Bunbury (see our events page), or start one in your own community
- Help us organise events (like movie nights) to raise awareness about local issues and about democracy. There is a thriving events group in Bunbury!
- Host a Kitchen Table Conversation, a great way to gather your people and hear what matters for them - and what you can do. Click on this link for a short explainer. We help you organise and will come and facilitate the conversation. Just add tea, scones, and your friends & neighbours!
The interesting things:
- Learn about our MP. Find out how he votes: https://theyvoteforyou.org.au/ and find out how much time he actually spends on policy, rather than theater: https://www.amplifyaus.org/our-work/housemonitor
- Start keeping an eye on what's happening at your local Council. Are Councillors working with integrity? Are there issues you feel strongly about?
- Learn about alternative ways of doing democracy, like citizens' assemblies, and find ways to use them
The next level things:
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Contact our Federal MP about issues that matter to you. Writing a letter to our MP is a proactive way to communicate your concerns directly. Each letter that is written must be responded to by him. Find a helpful how-to guide via this link. To find and contact your State MP: Click here
Mr. Ben Small MP | Member for Forrest
(08) 9721 3788
[email protected]
Units 7 & 8 Grand Cinema Complex, Cnr Victoria and Clifton Streets, Bunbury 6230
PO Box 2028, Bunbury WA 6231
- Join local action and community groups. Give some of your time and money, no matter how small. Is there a community garden in your area? a soup kitchen? In the Margaret River area, the Transition Town newsletter is a great place to start. To sign up: [email protected]
- Volunteer with us!
- Join us as a member, or even better: join our committee!
Please feel free to contact us, share your thoughts, ask for information or for a buddy. Send us an email: [email protected]. You'll get a friendly reply straight away.