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
Candidate Announcement
Wednesday 17 June
Introducing Dr Lachie McKeeman as Community for Benambra's Independent Candidate.
Community for Benambra is proud to introduce Dr Lachie McKeeman as the community-backed independent candidate for Benambra.
Lachie is a rural GP, father of three, and volunteer firefighter who has lived in North East Victoria since 2013 and now lives in Wooragee with his family. He works in Wodonga and is deeply involved in the local community through the CFA and Yackandandah Football and Netball Club.
Through his work as a doctor, Lachie sees firsthand the challenges facing regional communities - especially access to healthcare, workforce shortages, cost-of-living pressures, and the need for strong local services.
Lachie is standing because he believes this region has been taken for granted for too long and deserves a stronger, independent voice in Parliament
Lachie’s campaign will need your support. If you’d like to get involved, volunteer, donate or stay up to date, head to his website.
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.
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.
Join the community!
Have your say, stay informed, or support the movement — get involved today.
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.
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
About Community for Benambra
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No. Community for Benambra is a non-partisan, community-led organisation. We do not align with any political party.
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Community for Benambra is a community-run incorporated association, guided by strong values and inclusive participation.
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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
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Community for Benambra is governed by a steering committee of Benambra locals:
Frances Ardern - Wodonga
Patten Bridge - Yackandandah
Bridget Doyle - Chiltern
Brett Emo - Wodonga
Louise Friend - Beechworth
Julie de Hennin OAM - Talgarno
Maggie McGowan - Beechworth
Bobbi McKibbin - Wodonga
Alex Nelson - Beechworth
Dom Somers - Wodonga
Dr Craig Underhill - Bonegilla
Candidate selection process
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Community for Benambra is working to improve local representation at a state level by identifying and supporting a strong, community-backed independent candidate for the Victorian state election.
Our goal is to ensure Benambra is represented by someone who reflects local priorities, listens to the community, and acts with integrity - rather than being directed by party politics.
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A community independent is a candidate who runs without affiliation to a political party and is guided by the priorities and values of their local community.
They are accountable to the people they represent, not to party structures, and are committed to transparent, respectful and community-driven leadership.
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Community for Benambra will run a public and transparent selection process.
This will include:
Gathering community priorities through surveys and engagement
Calling for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from eligible local candidates
Assessing candidates against community values and expectations
Engaging the community throughout the process
Details of the process will be shared with applicants.
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Expressions of Interest open: 16 March
EOIs close: 19 April
Announce candidate: Early May
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EOIs will be open to eligible people who:
Live in or have strong connections to the Benambra electorate
Are passionate about representing community priorities
Are committed to integrity, transparency and community accountability
Are willing to run as an independent candidate
Full eligibility criteria and application details will be published when EOIs open. -
Community involvement is central to everything we do.
Residents are invited to:
Complete the community survey to share priorities
Stay informed through updates and events
Engage with the candidate selection process
This ensures the final candidate truly reflects the community’s voice.
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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