A community group working to build an independent political voice for the New England region is hosting a free online event tonight, featuring one of the architects of Australia’s most celebrated grassroots election campaigns.
Voices of New England has invited Louise Hislop, founding president of Voices of Warringah and now a member of the outreach team of Climate 200, to speak about how community listening can shape political change. The event runs from 6pm to 7pm tonight, Tuesday 16 June, and is free to attend online.
Hislop helped establish Voices of Warringah in 2018, building a grassroots movement around “kitchen table conversations” — structured community listening sessions designed to surface shared values and priorities. The movement went on to support Steggall’s landmark 2019 victory over then-Prime Minister Tony Abbott in Warringah, widely regarded as one of the most significant community independent campaigns in Australian political history.
Adam Blakester, Convenor of Voices of New England, said the session would draw on lessons directly relevant to the New England region.
“We are incredibly excited to host Louise Hislop, founder of Voices of Warringah and co-campaign manager for Zali Steggall MP.
“Louise will share first-hand stories about one of Australia’s best-known Voices campaigns which took on a former Prime Minister!”
“Kitchen Table Conversations are a proven way for communities to get clear about what people really want from their leaders. This session is about how community priorities can shape meaningful change and creating spaces where everyone feels heard.”
Hislop said the Voices model had demonstrated what ordinary citizens could achieve when organised around listening rather than partisanship.
“I was inspired by the community-led model pioneered by Voices for Indi. Their work led to the history-making back-to-back election of two community independent representatives: Cathy McGowan and Helen Haines.
“Whether you’re curious about community-led change, passionate about your region, or interested in how listening can strengthen democracy, this is a conversation not to miss.
“The Voices movement is proof that ordinary citizens — when invited to listen deeply, organise locally and act collectively — can become a genuine political force.”
The event is free and open to all. More details are available at facebook.com/VoicesofNewEnglandInc – you will need to complete this form to RSVP and get the link to the online meeting.
Got something you want to say about this story? Have your say on our opinion and comment hub, New England Times Engage