Candidates Meet the Community Forum

Inform the Change You Need this Federal Election in the Richmond Electorate

Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: Murwillumbah Community Centre

A Different Kind of Candidates Forum

Fed up with traditional political events where candidates talk at you instead of with you? Join us for a community-led democratic process that turns the traditional "Meet the Candidates" format upside down.

In this innovative forum, YOU set the agenda and lead the conversation on the issues that matter most to our community:

Housing
Cost of Living
Climate
Disasters & Recovery
Healthcare
Education
Our Future

How It Works

Unlike traditional forums, candidates will join community members at discussion tables to participate in facilitated conversations about real solutions. Through guided deliberative processes, we'll work together to identify:

Community strengths we can build upon
Innovative approaches to our shared challenges
Concrete policy recommendations

At the end, candidates will reflect on what they've learned and make commitments based on the community's priorities.

All Candidates (we could find contact details for) Have Been Invited

Mandy Nolan (GREENS): 30-year local resident, comedian and community advocate
Justine Elliot (LABOR): 20-year incumbent representative
Kimberly Hone (NATIONALS): Tweed Shire Councillor and small business owner
Ian Mye (ONE NATION): proud Australian and community advocate
Kevin Loughrey (Independent)
Phillip Byron Peterkin (Trumpet of Patriots

Why Attend?

Have your voice heard directly by candidates
Collaborate with fellow community members
Help shape policy priorities for our region
Participate in a more meaningful democratic process during these challenging times
Free food and refreshments provided!

This is Democracy in Action

Instead of watching candidates compete for votes, be part of a process that demonstrates how democracy should work—with elected officials listening to and working alongside the community they seek to represent.

⭐Registration required as places are limited to 100 participants.

Hosted by Common Future Collective

Organisations endorsing this event include Climate Justice Alliance Northern Rivers, 350 Australia, Rising Tide, Verdecon, Environmental Leadership Australia (ELA), Oxfam Australia, Well Grounded Building, Imagine Northern Rivers, Mullum Cares, Community Disaster Action Group, Mullumbimby Residents Association, Reclaim Our Recovery, Green Institute, Northern Rivers Friends of Palestine, Save Wallum Inc, House You, and more to come

Sponsored by 350 Australia