By Mikayla van Loon
Labor has chosen its candidate for the seat of Evelyn come the November State election, with local businesswoman Lorna Dent filling the position.
As a traditionally conservative district with the Australian Labor Party only being successful on three occasions since 1859, Ms Dent understands the challenge she faces.
“I have to work exceptionally hard. It’s going to be a massive challenge but that doesn’t mean it’s not doable,” she told Star Mail.
“I certainly think that if you really feel that you need to make change, then you should stand up and try to make the change.”
Approaching the election with a positive mindset, Ms Dent has been building community connections and wherever possible, getting onto the streets to hear from the people who live in Evelyn.
Although not someone who ever had a keen interest in politics growing up, aside from the equal playing field discussions around the dinner table from her father and grandfather, Ms Dent said it’s that respectful, bipartisan conversation she wants to bring should she be elected MP.
“My grandfather and my dad would chat about politics from a very conservative and a more progressive view, but it was always respectful and considerate, regardless of their differences.
“That’s what I would like to see more of in politics and that’s what drives me…my top priority as an elected MP is really more about how we behave in Parliament.”
Ms Dent said delivering for young people in terms of education, climate change and job opportunities is key to her campaign.
“Our young people are amazingly resilient and we need to deliver for them.
“I think it’s really important at this time that we do stand to make a difference for the younger generation.”
Protecting local jobs and providing secure employment opportunities, ensuring vocational training facilities are equipped in Evelyn to cater to both young people and older residents wanting to retrain and delivering on climate resilience, Ms Dent said are core values of Labor.
But underlying these values, Ms Dent said it is the question of what kind of human being the people of Evelyn want representing them.
“I want to provide people with a real choice of someone who looks like them, who runs a small business, has a family and elderly parents, the whole deal, and someone who is really focused on the community,” she said.
Ms Dent has lived in Chirnside Park for 22 years with her husband, where they raised their two sons and said she wouldn’t trade this region for anywhere else.
Describing herself as someone who is determined to achieve both personally and professionally, as well as being someone who likes listening to stories and the occasional mindful knitting, Ms Dent said she is excited for the next few months and is grateful for the opportunity.
