INDEPENDENT candidate Alex Dyson says he\u2019s running in the seat of Wannon to win and deliver a better outcome for locals.<\/p>\n
Alex Dyson would be known to some readers as an author and Triple-J radio presenter, but he is\u00a0 passionate about politics, the Wannon electorate (where he grew up) and getting a better deal for locals.<\/p>\n
He was in Ararat last Friday to meet with locals and learn about the issues and aspirations of the local community.<\/p>\n
Alex Dyson ran as an independent in Wannon at the 2019 election, achieving an impressive 10.3% of the vote.<\/p>\n
He gained attention at the last election for a social media post where he jumped into the ocean dressed in a suit, but says this time around he\u2019ll be toning things down.<\/p>\n
\u201cLast time there were some valid criticisms from people, some people would look at it and say this guy is not fair dinkum about this.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis time around I am ratcheting it down slightly, the problem being you don\u2019t get as much coverage,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Mr Dyson said Wannon is a large electorate with a lot of polling centres and he would welcome an influx on volunteers to help out.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a campaign that is by and of the community so anyone who is interested in seeing change are welcome. Anyone wanting to actively help out can share stuff on social media, hand out how to vote cards, anyone and everyone is welcome,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
At this year\u2019s election, Alex Dyson has the backing of Voices of Wannon \u2013 a local group seeking to change the political dynamic in Wannon.<\/p>\n
Voices of Wannon will help with manpower and funding to mount a \u201ccredible\u201d campaign in the usually safe Liberal seat.<\/p>\n
\u201cRunning for parliament in 2019 and meeting the people who make Wannon great was one of the most enriching experiences of my life. By running a second time, I hope to communicate just how serious I am about finally giving our home the representation it deserves. Someone who will actually advocate for the area, not the factional power brokers of Canberra who continue to take regional Australians for granted,\u201d Mr Dyson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur area has been governed by the same politicians for decades, and we\u2019ve had the same issues for decades. This is not a coincidence. Together, we can take action and give our leaders the wake-up call they so desperately need,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Mr Dyson is amongst six candidates announced so far from the Liberal, Labor, the Greens, Palmer United and Liberal Democrats parties.<\/p>\n