Taralla Wetlands, Croydon
About Voices of Deakin
Who we are
Voices of Deakin is a grassroots volunteer-led community group working to put community voices back at the heart of our democracy.
We believe in fairness, integrity, and equality, and that government decisions should be guided by evidence and the public interest – not by ideology, donors, or lobbyists.
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Inspired by the impact of other Voices groups across Australia, we’re taking action in Deakin to make our local democracy more open, informed, and community-led.​
​What this means for you – a genuine independent choice – a candidate carefully selected and endorsed by community members, and who is grounded in community values and integrity, not party politics or backroom deals. People of the calibre of our Federal Community Independent MPs and Senator.
What we do
We listen first
​Our work starts with listening to people across Deakin to understand what actually matters to you – your priorities, concerns, and hopes for the future. Bringing these voices together ensures community voices collectively guide every decision when identifying and endorsing a candidate, giving voters a real, values-driven choice at the next election.
We do this by
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​Listening deeply to the community through surveys, community conversations, and local events.
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Creating spaces for informed, respectful participation in the democratic process.
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Identifying and endorsing an independent candidate who reflects shared community values.
Voices of Deakin is not a political party – and we don't campaign!
We listen, engage, and bring the community together. We identify and endorse a values-aligned independent candidate, and then step back to allow the candidate to connect, and get to know the people they hope to represent.
What we expect from candidates
We believe democracy works best when representatives listen, communities are engaged, and trust is earned through action.
We only support candidates who
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Demonstrate respect for community perspectives, a genuine commitment to shared priorities, and a desire to work with us to achieve better outcomes
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Have capacity to earn the community’s trust by engaging openly and consistently, and by actively listening to, and showing up for, the people they represent.
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Commit to parliamentary voting that is guided by community values and priorities, rather than party directives.
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Are respectful and inclusive in all interactions, and demonstrate an ability to work constructively across parliament to achieve meaningful outcomes for the community
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Commit to being accountable and transparent about how they vote and why
Our focus is on whether a candidate is willing to be accountable, and to remain connected to the community for the entire parliamentary term.
Democratic renewal
Like many Australians, we’re concerned about declining trust in democratic institutions. We believe stronger democracy comes from communities choosing to come together – to listen, participate, and shape who represents them — rather than disengaging.
At a time when trust in politics is low, we believe community connection can help rebuild trust in our democratic system and strengthen accountability in public life.
Join the conversation!
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Complete our Survey
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Join in a community conversation
Our Mascot
The Kookaburra was chosen as our mascot as it has a loud, recognisable voice that can be heard all over Deakin.
The Kookaburra sticks to its community, and as a harbinger of rain, it presages hope and renewal.
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We have kookaburra mascots available for display in your front yard – let us know if you'd like one!
