1: Teenager Hayden Ostrom Brown will contest the Gembrook seat as an Australian Democrats endorsed independent.
By Casey Neill
A LOCAL sporting legend and a 19-year-old are the latest candidates to join the race for the marginal seat of Gembrook.
They will do battle against incumbent Labor MP Tammy Lobato, Liberal contender Brad Battin and Independent Robert Belcher.
Hayden Ostrom Brown, 19, is the Australian Democrats endorsed independent candidate for the electorate. The Upper Beaconsfield resident said his age should not influence voters.
“The only thing that really qualifies anyone to be a suitable Member of Parliament is the ability to listen, empathise and then advocate for the people you represent,” he said.
“I’m passionate about politics and proper representation.
“A local member must not only be available, he or she must seek the opinion and advice of those who gave them that privileged position – and in me you will get that type of local member.”
Mr Ostrom Brown grew up in the area, attended St Catherine’s Primary School in Berwick and St Francis Xavier College in Beaconsfield and played local sport.
“I know this area very well and the major local issues are health, housing and transport,” he said.
“I will also seek better outcomes for our failing public transport system and the issue of affordable housing is continually overlooked by the major parties.”
He also backed calls for a specialist school in the Casey/Cardinia region.
Local sporting legend and timber industry worker Peter McConachy will stand as The Nationals candidate at the 27 November election.
The 54-year-old is a third generation Yarra Valley resident, married with three children and four grandchildren and has worked in the timber industry for almost 40 years.
Mr McConachy owns a harvesting and haulage company and runs a firewood business.
“I’m passionate about securing a better deal for our region,” he said.
He has life membership at Powelltown Football Club, Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League, Upper Yarra Angling Club and Sporting Shooters Association.
Mr McConachy is a Timber Communities Australia and Maryvale Integrated Loggers Association member, and Harvesting and Haulage Council vice president.
He was instrumental in re-opening the sawmill at Powelltown and has worked with the Government to implement the Regional Forest Agreements.
“I have contracted machinery to assist with fire fighting efforts from Ash Wednesday through to Black Saturday and have worked building containment lines so I understand the real threat fire poses to this electorate,” he said.
“I’m committed to ensuring the Government adequately protects our community.”
He said he would also fight for education, roads, community safety and health funding.
