The 2022 federal election saw the largest increase in community independents in Australian history. At this one-off special event hear from the people with unique insight into the success of the community independent movement and what it might mean here in Lyne.

At this event you will:

hear inside stories from community campaigners,
learn about the key ingredients of successful community-led independent movements, and
have the chance to ask your questions about this unique community-driven moment.

This will be an inspiring afternoon, with opportunities to meet like-minded people who are passionate about people-powered politics.

Make sure to register as places are limited!

Speakers

Phil Haines:

Phil was a founding member of the grassroots community group, Voices for Indi, 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 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.

Holly Rankin:

Holly Rankin is an ARIA and APRA nominated recording artist and activist best known by her music project, Jack River. As an artist, she spearheaded the viral Olympics inspired campaign - ‘Our Soundtrack Our Stories’ for tv, radio and ads to use more homegrown music.
Alongside music, Holly works as a cultural and political strategist, using the power of pop culture to make political change. She has worked with the Uluru Dialogues as a Creative Director during the Referendum Campaign, Campaign Co-Director for Senator David Pocock in his successful 2022 Senate Campaign, as a Comms Advisor to Climate 200 and a Govt Relations Advisor to ARIA (The Australian Recording Industry Association). She is an ambassador for the Australian Conservation Foundation, and a board member of Teach Us Consent.
In 2024 she is launching her company - Sentiment, a social agency born for politics.

Anita Tang:

Anita has held volunteer leadership roles in the Caz4Cowper campaign and the Yes campaign, coordinating volunteer and event activities in the Coffs Harbour area. She is currently on the Steering Committee of Voices4Cowper.