The Cressy St office is the grass-roots political interest group’s latest move ahead of throwing its support behind a community-led candidate to contest the seat of Farrer at the federal election.
Voices for Farrer spokesperson Vicki Meyer said the office is designed to provide an outlet for the many people in our electorate who want their voices to be heard.
‘‘Since we formed last year, we have provided a way for the broader Farrer community to connect with us so we can find out what issues matter to them and seek a person to better represent them,’’ Ms Meyer said.
‘‘The drought and a zero allocation of water has compounded deeper issues that have been impacting our communities for many years.
‘‘People are worried about many things, their small businesses, their farms and their children’s future on many counts — like the environment, health and education.
‘‘We have listened, and now we are acting in the spirit of a movement of grass-roots political groups that have given hope to many regions across Australia.
‘‘Voices For Farrer wants to help to turn the lights back on in the electorate and rebuild faith in the political system.’’
Ms Meyer said the new office would provide a ‘‘welcoming place’’ for people in the electorate to ‘drop in’ and discuss any issues that matter to them.
‘‘We have also heard loud and clear there is significant interest in a community-led independent candidate to stand in Farrer, and we will be proud to facilitate that announcement very soon,’’ she said.
‘‘Our communities need hope and someone who represents them and their issues and works hard on their behalf.
‘‘We are certain the candidate who emerges for all to see will be someone the community knows and will trust to take their issues forward and make a difference.’’
Albury Mayor Kevin Mack is widely tipped to be the group’s candidate.
The Voices For Farrer hub is at 283 Cressy St, Deniliquin, and will be open during office hours Monday to Friday and by appointment by calling 0409600749.