In 2022, Community Independents swept through seats that were previously thought to be safe seats. This was true here in Cowper as well, with Caz Heise turning the seat marginal. Join us to consider the impact of community independents and explore how to move forward together to shape Cowper to our needs.

We will hear from Phil Haines, one of the founders of Voices for Indi, campaign manager for Cathy McGowan and Helen Haines and author of the new book "The Indi Way" and our former candidate Caz Heise. They will discuss the lessons from Phil’s book The Indi Way, learnings from recent elections and the impact independents have had in their own communities and on broader Australian politics.

Find out how to have your say on what matters to you, connect with people who care about our democracy and learn from those who have been actively involved in doing democracy differently.

PLEASE NOTE: As you may be aware, the Port Ironman is running on 5 May. We are assured that MakerSpace will be readily accessible. But there will be some road closures and it may take longer than usual to get to this event. If travelling from outside Port Macquarie (either north or south) access is via the Oxley Highway.

SPEAKERS

Phil Haines

Phil was a founding member of the grassroots community group, Voices for Ind, in 2012. He was campaign manager for independent Cathy McGowan in the 2013 and 2016 elections, and for Helen Haines in the 2019 and 2022 elections. This was the first time that an independent has succeeded an independent in the Australian parliament. Phil led the team behind the recent book “The Indi Way - how a rural community sparked a social and political movement” and authored numerous chapters. He is passionate about rural communities and sustainable agriculture.

Caz Heise

As the former Independent candidate for Cowper, Carolyn Heise was driven by the need for stronger climate action, securing integrity in politics, and community-based representation in Parliament. Now a senior health care executive, Caz has held a range of roles across health services and non-government organisations across the Mid North Coast. She is passionate about nursing and midwifery and the provision of high-quality health services, and an advocate for women in leadership. She is also a non-executive Director on the board of Cancer Council NSW.

THE BOOK

The Indi Way

A behind-the-scenes account of how a rural community found its own voice, elected its own independent representatives and inspired a national movement that is transforming Australian politics. This is the story of how and why it all began and has developed, told by many of the people closely involved. It is a revealing account of a community using values-based, respectful processes to rewrite the political playbook.

We hope to have copies of this book on sale at the event, but if you are interested in purchasing in advance, we've put some links below. Simply click on the name of your preferred retailer to purchase. Don't forget to bring your book along so Phil can sign it!