Key attributes

• Community-centred: A great independent is someone who listens first and acts second. They take the time to understand what matters most across Ringwood and Croydon – from local families to seniors, small business owners to young voters – and they apply those insights back into their work. 

• Integrity and ethical leadership: Our candidate will be known for honesty, transparency and ethical decision-making – someone who puts people above politics, and is accountable to the community, not a party hierarchy. 

• Collaborative and inclusive: They will bring people together across backgrounds and viewpoints, encourage respectful debate and genuine engagement rather than division. The ability to build consensus is critical.

• Evidence-driven thinker: Our ideal candidate weighs issues based on evidence and long-term benefit, not on ideology, donors or short-term political gain. They ask critical questions and seek the best solutions for residents. 

• Strong communicator: Whether speaking at a community event, responding to a resident’s concern, or explaining policy ideas in Parliament, our candidate must be an effective, clear communicator who can articulate the community’s priorities. 

• Ready to step up: This isn’t about celebrity or profile — it’s about authentic leadership. We’re looking for someone with the drive to serve, a belief in community-first representation, and the resilience to champion causes that matter.