By Callum Ludwig
Ferntree Gully and Belgrave residents have been welcomed to an afternoon tea with independent candidate for Casey Claire Ferres Miles at Seville Public Hall to thank her supporters in this year’s Federal Election.
It will be held on Sunday 19 June at 2pm.
Ms Ferres Miles finished with a first preference count of 8.3 percent, fourth among the eleven candidates for Casey.
Ms Ferres Miles said it was a fantastic campaign.
“We had over 200 volunteers, and 500 supporters of the independent movement and we were really proud of what we achieved in 10 weeks of the campaign,” she said.
“Everyone that was involved with my Claire4Casey campaign overwhelmingly found it to be a very positive experience, and really got excited about politics being done differently. It’s about listening and talking with the community about what’s important to them, and then having a representative that will represent those issues and priorities.”
Ms Ferres Miles launched her campaign in February 2022 and told Star Mail at the time and said the three key issues for Casey residents were accelerated ambition and action on climate change, integrity and the public stewardship of public money (including supporting a federal ICAC) and a quality and respectful treatment of all people irrespective of culture, gender or sexuality.
Ms Ferres Miles said she believes Casey residents are looking for a new model of representation.
“They are looking for a model of an independent representative, that is beholden and listens to the community and is not directed by the parties,” she said.
“The 2022 campaign was the start of growing momentum within Casey.”
Attendees can discuss the plan for the 2025 election at the event, and can share ideas.
RSVP here: https://action.claireferresmiles.com.au/claire4casey