A 51-year-old Bellarine business owner will run as an independent candidate in the upcoming state election.
Sarah Fenton, a St Leonards resident and owner of Bellarine Smokehouse, will contest the seat of Bellarine at November’s election citing that she was inspired by the success of community independents in the recent federal election.
Ms Fenton said she was standing on a platform of action on responsible local development, improved aged care and health services and a strong focus on the environment.
“It’s time to return to true community representation,” she said.
“Traditional parties have ceased to represent the people who elect them. I want to approach politics differently.
“I am campaigning on a promise of keeping the representation of our electorate grassroots and grounded. I am here to listen to, work with and act for the people of Bellarine.”
Ms Fenton said local involvement and support of her campaign would be vital to its success.
“With local and well-informed support, we can show the big parties that change is required,” she said.
“That the people of Bellarine are no longer going to sit back and let politics happen to them. They are going to be active and heard.”
Ms Fenton is one of the founders of a local open-water swimming group that now has more than 1100 members.
Wanting to support both hers, and others, mental and physical health, she founded the ‘Salty Bitches’ swimming group as a way of creating a supportive community that inspired physical activity.
You can contact Ms Fenton at sarah@yourvoiceforbellarine.com.au or go to yourvoiceforbellarine.com or search yourvoiceforbellarine on Facebook or Instagram.
