Why we exist
Voices for Ovens Valley exists because our region is changing — and our representation at state level needs to keep pace.
Across the Ovens Valley we are experiencing population growth and movement, housing pressures, workforce shortages, rising demand on health and education services, and the impacts of economic and climate change on agriculture, tourism, small business and alpine communities. Our electorate is geographically large and socially diverse, and not all voices are equally heard.
For many years, the seat has been considered safe. While continuity can bring stability, safe seats can sometimes struggle to attract attention, investment or policy focus, because outcomes are largely assumed. In more competitive electorates — including those represented by independents — governments must listen closely and respond to clearly articulated community priorities.
Voices for Ovens Valley has formed to strengthen local democracy by supporting a fair, transparent, community-led process to identify and endorse an independent candidate for the 2026 Victorian election.
This is not about change for its own sake. It’s about giving our community the opportunity to define what strong, accountable representation looks like today — leadership that listens first, acts with integrity, and advocates for the long-term interests of regional communities.
We exist to create the space and the process for that to happen.
Our Purpose
Voices for Ovens Valley exists to strengthen democracy in the Ovens Valley by designing and supporting a community-led process to identify, endorse and support a community independent candidate for the 2026 Victorian state election.
Our purpose is to support a process that:
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Puts the voices, values, and priorities of the Ovens Valley community at the centre of state decision-making
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Enables authentic, independent leadership that represents the whole electorate — not only party interests
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Builds long-term civic participation, trust, and accountability in state politics
We believe our community deserves representation that listens first, acts with integrity, and advocates strongly for the social and economic development needs of regional Victoria.
Our Values
Community
We believe the best representation grows from deep listening. Community priorities guide our work, and our processes are open, inclusive, and participatory.
Integrity
We value honesty, fairness, and ethical conduct. Our decisions and processes are transparent and designed to build trust.
Respect
We welcome diverse views and experiences. We commit to respectful dialogue, even where there is disagreement.
Courage
We support leadership that is prepared to speak up for regional communities and challenge decisions that do not serve the public interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this about replacing the current MP?
No. Voices for Ovens Valley is not focused on any individual or party. Our focus is on strengthening democracy and giving the community a meaningful role in shaping how it is represented. This is about process, participation and standards of leadership — not personalities.
What is wrong with the current representative?
We are not campaigning against any individual.
Communities and circumstances evolve. Many people across the electorate are asking whether the current model of representation is delivering the strongest possible voice for a region facing new pressures and opportunities. We believe the community deserves the chance to reflect on that question and choose its preferred path at the 2026 election.
Why support an independent candidate?
An independent representative is free to:
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Put local priorities ahead of party positions
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Work constructively with any government
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Be directly accountable to the community rather than a party room.
Independence allows advocacy to focus squarely on what benefits the electorate.
Why does competitiveness matter?
Our two-party system can lead to complacency where the major parties are focused on maintaining incumbency and winning marginal electorates. Under this system, safe seats can sometimes be neglected. Our goal is to ensure vigorous community-based representation independent of party politics.
Our aim is not conflict or instability but ensuring the Ovens Valley’s needs remain visible and influential in state decision-making.
Why now?
Regional Victoria is experiencing significant change. Demographic shifts, housing affordability, workforce shortages, natural disasters and economic transitions are reshaping many communities.
There is also growing interest in more transparent, community-connected leadership. We believe now is the right time to come together and clearly articulate:
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What matters most to us
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What kind of leadership we expect
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How we want to be represented.
Is Voices for Ovens Valley a political party?
No. Voices for Ovens Valley is a community-led, non-party initiative.
Our role is to engage the community and run a fair, transparent process to identify and endorse an independent candidate. We are not aligned with any political party.
How will a candidate be chosen?
We will run an open Expression of Interest process followed by a structured and transparent assessment.
This will include:
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Clear selection criteria grounded in community values
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Interviews and assessment
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Opportunities for community input
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Final endorsement based on merit and community confidence.
Our goal is to identify a candidate who can represent the whole electorate effectively and independently.
Which communities are part of the Ovens Valley Victorian state electorate?
Below is a Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) map of the Ovens Valley District which is part of the Northern Victoria region. A link to the VEC site for better quality images and further information on seat boundaries is provided here.