Convention Details
This online Convention is for community leaders, activists, volunteers, anyone wanting better representation and to connect with like-minded people. Featuring Community Independent MPs, Cathy McGowan, Craig Foster, Dean Parkin and much more.
2023 is the year for building community, getting political and taking action. The Convention features a wide range of inspiring speakers and examples of community activism, opportunities for sharing, networking and connection, and practical tips and tools for community organising and growing the Community Independents movement.
Cathy McGowan will explore the role for communities in building and sustaining a healthy political ecosystem, with advice, stories and tips from Kate Chaney, Zoe Daniel, Monique Ryan, Sophie Scamps, Allegra Spender and Kylea Tink, as well as from Helen Haines and Zali Steggall OAM. It’s about being effective, understanding what works and what doesn’t, and keeping a keen eye on the future.
Dean Parkin, Campaign Director Yes23, will be interviewed by Professor Kate Auty. He’ll share his insights on how the campaign is engaging Australians to accept the invitation to recognise First Nations peoples by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament. The discussion will set the scene for the following session on how communities can support the campaign.
Emily Holm, National Field Organiser Yes23; Mary Crooks AO, ED Victorian Women’s Trust; Kath Naish, Community Engagement Manager for Allegra Spender MP; and Nicolette Boele, Shadow representative for Bradfield, in conversation with Tina Jackson. They’ll share how they are working to encourage participation in the YES vote through grassroots community action, including tips and ideas on how we can all play our part.
Craig Foster AM, former Socceroo, broadcaster, human rights advocate, 2023 NSW Australian of the Year, Chair Australian Republic Movement in conversation with Dr Sophie Scamps Community Independent MP for Mackellar.
Be inspired by the stories of three communities taking political action. Kate Gunn will tell us about the Liverpool Plains community fighting the expansion of gas on prime agricultural land, Suzie Pearce, the community driven North-East Rail Alliance challenging the Inland Rail Project, and Jacqui Scruby, communities working to stop oil drilling off the northern beaches of Sydney.
The conversation will cover setting up a group as well as new ideas and approaches for the evolution of established groups. Inspired by the Kitchen Table Conversation model used by Voices of Indi, the groups that have formed organically across the country are all unique to their communities, pollinating political awareness and inspiring action.
Sue Barrett will facilitate this vital discussion with Rob Baillieu, Kooyong campaign; Elli Murphy, Goldstein campaign, Taylah Schrader, Warringah campaign, and Alex Dyson, Independent Candidate for Wannon. They’ll discuss ideas on community building, engaging younger people in politics, and encouraging the next generation of political leaders. The longevity and sustainability of the movement depends on how well we can do this.
Some communities came very close to electing an Independent at the last election, others have more work to do. Whatever stage in the independent journey, the Panel will share how they are keeping the independent flame alive in their communities throughout the electoral cycle. Community participation in democracy does not stop at an Election and there are many ways of winning.
Looking for people in your electorate? Wanting to connect? Seeking advice? Come to our virtual Convention Cafe. Community leaders will be there to chat and help.
Convention background
In February 2021 Indi hosted CIP's 'Getting Elected' Convention, which drew attendees from 78 electorates. The Convention provided practical tools and inspiration for community building and running campaigns. A direct line can be drawn from the Convention to the success of the Community Independents at the May 2022 Election.
The 'Empowered Communities: Next Steps' Convention, held in August 2022 was hosted by Warringah. It celebrated and built on the momentum of the “Election like no other”, attracting attendees from over 100 electorates. The Convention explored the compact between the independent MPs and their communities, how communities can work with MPs to improve our democracy, and how to further build the Community Independents movement for a better Australia.
In 2023 Mackellar is hosting the Convention with the theme ‘Get Political: Communities Taking Action'. A key focus will be connecting, networking and organising to grow the movement.
Empowered Communities: Next Steps Convention 2022
What attendees said…
“Thank you for organising such an impressive Convention! Our new female independent MPs are just outstanding! Movers and shakers in the truest sense of the words. It was great to share experiences and stories and to learn from other groups across the country.” Nicole Gale
“This gig is one of the most awesome, powerful and well organised I’ve ever attended - grateful, thanks you amazing team!” Pennie Scott
“Great weekend of sharing knowledge, in-sighting hope and harnessing People Power. Congratulations & thank you.” Tess Egan
“What is happening in Australian politics today is the most important and hopeful social experiment in democracy happening in the world at the moment, and unless we recognise that, we are going to lose it”. Tim Dunlop
“People, passion, renewal, generosity, hope, trust, laughter, tears (joy) fun, refreshing, inspiring. Thank you for investing in us.” @calsaff
“THANK YOU ALL - Zoe, Kate, Mon, Kylea, Sophie, Allegra, how lucky are we to have you in our world, in our country - totally inspiring! Cathy McGowan goes without saying you are the most amazing catalyst for the greater good. Thank you will never be enough.” Jacqueline M
“Such a fabulous Convention - thank you to all for making it happen #empoweredcommunities are on the rise - positive change is happening and its so refreshing & uplifting to be involved.” Rebecca Clarke
