Community for Benambra

Community for Benambra is a community-led movement bringing local people together to identify and select a candidate for the Victorian State Election.

We want to strengthen democracy across the Benambra electorate, and are guided by strong community values.

We believe the people who live here should help shape the decisions that affect our lives: openly, respectfully and inclusively.

Who we are

Why we’re here

Democracy works best when communities are heard, informed and empowered.

Community for Benambra exists to:

Support inclusive, informed and
respectful
community
dialogue

Strengthen
community-led
democracy

Encourage
transparency
and accountability
in representation

Help the community
identify and select
a candidate
for Benambra in
Victorian state elections

How we work

Encouraging
transparent representation

By advocating for openness, responsiveness and accountability from decision-makers.

Building civic
understanding

By sharing accessible, non-partisan information about issues and democratic processes.

Listening to
the community

Through conversations, forums, surveys and gatherings across the electorate.

We want to hear from you ! Complete the Community Survey >

Our values

Integrity

Collaboration

We act honestly and respectfully, with transparency, at all times. Our decisions are guided by the needs of the Benambra community.

We work together, through strong partnerships with local people and groups, focusing on outcomes that benefit Benambra.

Community Power

Inclusion

We support and equip our community to take part in democracy.

We believe informed, engaged residents shape decisions and hold their representative to account.

We listen to the views, experiences and needs of people across Benambra. We recognise that Benambra is enriched by its diversity of voices.

This is a shared journey

You don’t need to be an expert to join in.
We don’t need to agree on everything.
We are building this story together.

If you care about the future of Benambra, there’s a place for you here.

Community survey >

Stay connected

Want to stay informed or be part of the conversation? Join our mailing list!

We respect your privacy and collect your personal information (name and email) for the purposes of communicating with you about Community for Benambra activities. It will not be shared or used beyond this purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. Community for Benambra is a non-partisan, community-led organisation. We do not align with any political party.

  • Community for Benambra is a community-run incorporated association, guided by strong values and inclusive participation.

  • The Benambra electorate covers a large rural area in north-eastern Victoria, stretching across the Upper Murray, Indigo and Towong regions, and including a mix of regional cities, country towns and smaller communities.

    Some of the main towns and communities within the Benambra electorate include:

    • Wodonga (the largest centre)

    • Baranduda

    • Barnawartha

    • Beechworth

    • Bellbridge

    • Bethanga

    • Chiltern

    • Corryong

    • Cudgewa

    • Dartmouth

    • Eskdale

    • Kiewa

    • Mitta Mitta

    • Mount Beauty

    • Rutherglen

    • Tallangatta

    • Tangambalanga

    • Tawonga

    • Wahgunyah

    • Walwa

    • Yackandandah

    These towns — along with surrounding rural communities — form a diverse and connected region where local voices and lived experience are central to shaping our democratic conversations and community priorities.

  • It starts with listening to, not assuming we know, what the community needs. Creating space for community voices before decisions are made, and holding representatives accountable to those voices.

  • Anyone who lives in, works in, or cares about the Benambra electorate, who signs up and agrees to our shared values. All ages, backgrounds and viewpoints are welcome.

  • You can sign up to our email list for updates, complete our survey, attend community conversations, share ideas and perspectives, or help shape future priorities. Your involvement can be as much or as little as suits you.

  • We collect your personal information (name and email) for the purposes of communicating with you about Community for Benambra activities. It will not be shared or used beyond this purpose without your consent.

  • Community for Benambra is governed by a steering committee of Benambra locals:

    • Frances Ardern - Wodonga

    • Patten Bridge - Yackandandah

    • Bridget Doyle - Chiltern

    • Brett Emo - Wodonga

    • Julie de Hennin OAM - Talgarno

    • Dr Lachie McKeeman - Wooragee

    • Maggie McGowan - Beechworth

    • Bobbi McKibbin - Wodonga

    • Alex Nelson - Beechworth

    • Dom Somers - Wodonga

    • Dr Craig Underhill - Bonegilla

Support C4B

Donations support the practical costs of running Community for Benambra (C4B) — including community events, communication and administration. We’re committed to transparency, independence and keeping participation accessible. Fund will not be directed to any candidates.

Donate via bank deposit:

Name: Community for Benambra
BSB: 803070
ACC: 100154778