Voices for Indi was a people-powered movement that led to the election of Independent MP Cathy McGowan to the Federal Parliament. It continues to be a key community voice in the seat of Indi in north-east Victoria.  

Residents and leaders in central Victoria are invited to a workshop on October 28th with Voices for Indi President and Past President, Denis Ginnivan and Alana Johnson, to explore how this model could invigorate our communities and democracy.

About the workshop

The conversation will begin with a panel conversation with Alana and Denis, followed by Q & A and a brief workshop. Of the course of the workshop we will explore if central Victoria might use the Voices for Indi approach in our district, not necessarily to elect politicians but to help identify opportunities for community-led and community-wide change.

The aim is to learn from Voices for Indi’s experience and explore whether the ‘kitchen table’ model of engagement could work effectively and inclusively to address key matters in our region that affect us all - things like energy, water security, health, housing, employment and others identified as important by the community.

As a pilot, we will take time during this event to explore issues that matter to us using the kitchen table model.

More details about the event, the convenors, and our contact details can be found below.

About the speakers

Alana Johnson is recognized nationally and internationally for her work in leadership, rural development and gender equality. This year she was inducted into the prestigious Victorian Women’s Honour Roll.

Alana is a founder and past President of Voices for Indi, the nationally renowned democracy project in the electorate of Indi.

Currently Alana is the Chair of the Victorian Women’s Trust, Dep. Chair of the Victorian Catchment Management Council, a member of the Victorian Ministerial Council for Women’s Equality, the Victorian Rural Women’s Network reference group and the Museum Victoria Invisible Farmer Project.

A renowned public speaker and facilitator, Alana has appeared on ABC’s Q&A, is a recipient of the Victorian Rural Women’s Award and was named in the inaugural 100 Women of Influence in Australia and the inaugural 100 Women in Australian Agribusiness.

Voices for Indi

Voices for Indi is a voluntary community organization based in the Federal seat of Indi in North East Victoria. It was formed in 2012 to nurture ways in which people could engage as citizens and participate in our democracy. It has developed a range of processes and resources to bring people together and activate their interests and responsibilities as a good citizen.

V4I endorsed Cathy McGowan’s candidacy for the 2013 federal election. Denis was a key strategist, co-campaign manager and event organizer in the successful 2013 and 2016 election campaigns, which saw Cathy McGowan elected with an increased majority in 2016.

Contact details

If you would like discuss the event and broader project, please call one of the event leads listed below, or email Lexi via info@democracy4dinner.org.

Nikki Marshall - ‭0432 232 073‬

Lexi Randall-L’Estrange - 0458 922 220

Refreshments 

Tea, coffee and a light afternoon tea will be provided.

About the workshop convenors

Resident in Yandoit, Nikki Marshall is active across the communities of Mt Alexander and Hepburn shires. As one of the organisers of Castlemaine’s Local Lives Global Matters- a Conference for Future’s Sake in 2015 she continues to promote relocalisation across central Victoria through Localising Leanganook’s community conversations and e-news.

Warwick Smith is a Castlemaine resident and is Senior Economist at public policy think tank Per Capita. He has strong professional and personal interest in regional development, democracy and social innovation.

John Terry has been involved in health practice and education for over 30years. He was part of the group that established the Winters Flat Primary school community class and is currently an organiser for the Castlemaine Rites of Passage for men and boys. 

Cathy Wheel is convinced we can do democracy better. And she has a passion for trying. 

Lexi Randall-L’Estrange is Convenor of Democracy for Dinner, business owner based in Castlemaine, and emerging leader in governance and social innovation currently serving on the CDCH Board.  

Gen Barlow is a freelance journalist, writer and communications specialist.

Cam Walker is the campaigns co-ordinator for environmental group Friends of the Earth. He writes widely on environmental issues, and has spent much of the last decade working with regional communities across the state to build support for renewable energy and to oppose destructive developments.

Photo credit, Voices for Indi (via Twitter): https://twitter.com/voicesforindi/status/830572228295077889