South West community group Voices for Forrest gears up search for candidate to turn seat teal

The community organisation looking to make Forrest the next “teal” seat is looking for a candidate to spearhead the campaign. Voices for Forrest — modelled off the successful campaigns of a number of independent Federal MPs during the 2022 election — has made the call about a year out from the next Federal election, which has yet to be given a date. Spokesperson Gita Sonnenberg said a connection to community would be a crucial for the candidate. “We are committed to finding people who have the skills, vision and dedication to create change,” she said. “As we speak with communities from all over the electorate of Forrest, the overwhelming sentiment is that politics as usual isn’t working and people are fed up with the major parties. “Locals are telling us they are ready for a different approach, they want a representative who looks after them and their concerns in Canberra, rather than just toeing the party line.” Forrest will be a difficult seat to win given it has been held by the Liberal Party for all but three years since 1949, falling into Labor hands for one term in 1969. But with the retirement of long-standing member Nola Marino, there could be the best chance of change yet. The seat’s regional location also makes it a different beast to the six successful inner-city teal candidates in 2022. Voices for Forrest will instead be hoping to replicate Cathy McGowan’s 2013 success in the regional seat of Indi in Victoria’s north-east, a victory credited for sparking the teal independent movement. Ms Sonnenberg said her group believed they could make significant waves in this election. “We are in it to win, and call forward exceptional local people committed to serving the interests of our community and advocating for positive change,” she said. “The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of the issues facing the Forrest electorate, along with a track record of community involvement, leadership and local advocacy. “She or he is a good listener, collaborative, and driven by a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of local residents.”