TWiSK invited every candidate to respond to a questionnaire with five simple biographical questions, in no more than 50 words each.
If candidates met this simple brief, we agreed to publish their answers as written, along with a photograph and contact details.
Their responses are presented below in alphabetical order by family name as they are received.
Georgie Dragwidge, Independent
Sonya Semmens, Greens
Georgie Dragwidge
Local independent candidate
Who am I?
Local independent small business owner
I own and run Georgie’s Harvest at the South Melbourne Market, where I’ve been a stallholder for 15 years. I’m also a mother, and hold my family connections tight. My Greek immigrant parents helped make me a hardworking and grounded person today.
Why here?
Every working day I speak to hundreds of Albert Park residents from every walk of life. Like so many of you, I am frustrated by the failure of those in power to properly listen to our electorate and make the real changes our community wants and needs.
What do you hope to achieve?
It’s time for change. Political parties are looking after their own interests and agendas. We need a local representative to advocate for the needs and interests of this community. I’m in touch with the people of Albert Park. I’ll make sure our interests are heard in every issue and debate.
What are my top concerns?
My priorities are:-
- Community safety – EVERYONE deserves to feel safe at home and on the street.
- Greater transparency and integrity in Victorian politics
- Support for small businesses
- Environmental protection and Climate Action – both globally and locally, right here in Albert Park.
- Consulting with and promoting the interests of local residents
Why vote for me?
Local and independent
My working life has been spent amongst ordinary Victorians. I hear your concerns daily. I will address them as a truly independent representative. I do not live in a political bubble and am not answerable to backroom officials, lobbyists, donors, or powerbrokers. Only to the people of Albert Park.
Contact details
www.georgie4albertpark.com.au|
Facebook & Instagram – georgie4albertpark
hello@georgie4albertpark.com.au
Authorised by: Georgie Dragwidge (322 Coventry St South Melbourne 3205)
Sonya Semmens
Greens for Albert Park
Who am I?
Hello, I’m Sonya the Green!
You might remember me from the federal election. I’m a small-business owner, charity consultant and local mum. I think we deserve real representation, not politicians who are only in it for themselves – which is why I knocked on so many doors last year (90k!) to come and meet everyone.
Why here?
We live in the best place in the world.
This community has given my family a welcoming place to call home. Our children have grown up here, go to school here, and are becoming independent here! So it’s vital to me that our neighbourhoods, public transport, parks and rec spaces stay safe, clean, green and beautiful.
What do you hope to achieve?
Thriving neighbourhoods and vibrant spaces!
Our home by the bay is very special, but our way of life is under threat. Instead of making bills cheaper and streets safer, the government fast-tracked a hyperscale AI Data Centre that puts our water, power and safety at risk. They sold us down the river. We deserve better.
What are my top concerns?
Families are under pressure
Empty shops, small businesses failing, rising homelessness, families struggling with skyrocketing bills, crime and antisocial behaviour are all a direct result of the government failing to act on the cost of living crisis and fund essential services. We need to fix the rot at the root.
Why vote for me?
I don’t take dirty money so only I can do what’s needed.
Both major parties and One Nation are funded by vested interests. I’m backed by our neighbours giving small donations, which means only I can stop supermarket price-gouging, tax big banks and gas corporations, and fight the AI Data Centre boom. I’ll work for our community and our future.
Contact details
instagram.com/sonya_semmens/
facebook.com/SonyaSemmensGreens
bsky.app/profile/sonyasemmens.bsky.social
sonya.semmens@vic.greens.org.au
Authorised by: Martin Shield, Victorian Greens, Suite 1.05, Level 1, 50 Queen Street, Melbourne.
