Mary for Monash

a host of businesses that can’t rely solely on electricity.”

Being a highly effective communicator, Mary uses social media as one of her campaign tools and is active primarily on Facebook and Instagram.

“I use social media to share experiences and stories out visiting constituents or to promote community events, and also to engage with younger people,” she says.

“There are positive aspects to social media, but I am also mindful of its pitfalls. I think the idea of a ban on social media for kids under sixteen proposed by the Coalition is a very good and sensible move.”

Mary has her finger on the pulse of the things that matter to her constituents, but the underlying essence that is the driving force behind her election campaign is her deep love of Gippsland.

“We have such a great region here to showcase,” she remarks.

“To begin, I think we’re a natural food bowl. I don’t just want us to be seen as a supermarket region, I want us to be seen as an international delicatessen, and I mean by that, value adding into everything we do.”

Mary wants the region to be renowned for offering highly skilled and highly paid employment opportunities, whether in food manufacturing, energy or across a whole spectrum of industries.

“We grow, make and manufacture things the rest of Australia relies on. When Gippsland does well, we can contribute a huge amount to the rest of the country. When we’re not given the support and recognition by State and Federal Governments, we suffer through job losses and loss of economic productivity. I want to make sure that what we do very well here across a variety of industries is clearly understood and respected at all levels of government,” she states.

“I can be an effective voice in the pursuit of that aim by bringing the personal attributes I have as a candidate, and hopefully the confidence of the electorate as their next member, in particular through my absolute enthusiasm, energy, and vast experience across different sectors from energy to manufacturing, and agribusiness to transport. I understand what those industries need locally to thrive and be sustainable.”

Mary sees so much potential in what Gippsland has to offer.

We’re our best kept secret in this region,” she suggests.

“We do so many things well but do need support and resources and an energetic approach. If I have the great privilege of being elected, I want to be a fierce and effective advocate to be able to secure the things we need as a region to make it through the challenges we face today and into a sustainable future.”