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.

Submit EOI

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • The candidate selection process will include the following stages:

    1. Submission of an Expression of Interest

    2. Eligibility screening

    3. Interview and assessment by an independent community Selection Panel, including scenario-style exercises

    4. Recommendation by the Selection Panel

    5. Final endorsement decision by the Community for Benambra Steering Committee

  • Expressions of Interest open: 16 March

    EOIs close: 19 April

    Announce candidate: Early May

  • 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.

How to Apply

Applicant process:

Submit Expression of Interest ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Expressions of Interest open: 16 March

    EOIs close: 19 April

    Announce candidate: Early May

  • 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.

  • You can:

    • Sign up to our email list

    • Follow our social media channels - instagram & facebook

    • Check back here for updates on the EOI process

    All key milestones and opportunities to get involved will be shared regularly.