Expression of Interest
Independent Candidate – Benambra
2026 Victorian State Election
Community for Benambra invites expressions of interest from individuals who may wish to stand as an independent candidate for the Victorian Legislative Assembly seat of Benambra at the 2026 Victorian State Election.
Community for Benambra is a grassroots initiative supporting a community-driven process to identify and endorse a credible independent candidate who will represent the priorities of the Benambra electorate.
The electorate of Benambra spans North East Victoria and includes the regional The electorate of Benambra spans North East Victoria and includes the regional centre of Wodonga as well as communities such as Beechworth, Rutherglen, Tallangatta, Corryong, Yackandandah, Mitta Mitta and Barnawartha, across the Upper Murray, Kiewa and Indigo valleys and surrounding rural and alpine communities.
This process provides an open and transparent pathway for community members to express interest in representing the electorate.
EOIs closed and what happens next
Expressions of Interest to stand as a community-backed independent for Benambra closed April 19, 2026. Thank you to everyone who applied, shared the opportunity, or encouraged someone to step forward.
We’re now moving into the selection phase.
A community Selection Panel (6-7 local members representing a cross-section of the electorate) will review shortlisted candidates, conduct interviews and assessment activities, and make a recommendation.
What to expect
Late April: Selection Panel reviews applications
Early May: Shortlisted candidates interviewed. Recommendation made and final decision confirmed.
Mid May: Community-backed candidate announced publicly - look out for an invitation to the candidate’s launch event!
This process is designed to be community-led, transparent, and grounded in what we’ve heard through the survey and conversations across the region.
There will be opportunities to stay involved after the Community for Benambra process comes to an end - including getting involved in the candidate’s campaign.
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Community for Benambra is conducting a transparent and community-led selection process designed to:
Encourage participation in democratic representation
Identify a credible independent candidate
Reflect community values and priorities
Maintain fairness, confidentiality and probity for applicants
Community priorities informing this process are being gathered through surveys and engagement across the electorate.
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Expressions of interest are invited from individuals who:
Live in the Benambra electorate
Are committed to representing the community fearlessly and independently
Demonstrate integrity, leadership and accountability
Are willing to engage constructively with diverse community perspectives
Have the resilience and capacity to undertake a regional election campaign
Display strong community connection and contribution and organisational experience
Are aware of the issues affecting the region, for example:
Healthcare access, agriculture and water security, infrastructure and transport, small business conditions, energy and environmental sustainability.
Applicants must also meet the legal eligibility requirements to stand for the Victorian Parliament.
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The candidate selection process will include the following stages:
Submission of an Expression of Interest
Eligibility screening
Interview and assessment by an independent community Selection Panel, including scenario-style exercises
Recommendation by the Selection Panel
Final endorsement decision by the Community for Benambra Steering Committee
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Expressions of Interest open: 16 March
EOIs close: 19 April
Announce candidate: Early May
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Community for Benambra is committed to a process that is:
Fair
Transparent
Merit-based
Safe and confidential for applicants
Applications will be handled confidentially and conflicts of interest will be managed to ensure the integrity of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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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Integrity
Collaboration
Community Power
Inclusion
