My name is Georgie Dragwidge, and I am your independent candidate for Albert Park this November.

I am a single mother of 18-year-old twins, and a local business owner, having run two successful businesses in the South Melbourne Market over the past 15 years. I hold my family connections close to my heart and credit my upbringing by Greek immigrant parents with why I am a hardworking and grounded person today.

I have experienced the hard work and commitment of the people of Albert Park and, like many, have been left frustrated by the inability or unwillingness of those in power to listen to the electorate and effect real change.

We need politicians who effectively represent our community with no games and no party politics. We need a local representative who will advocate for the needs and interests of this community.

I want to bring my real-life experiences into politics and make it more accessible to all. My working life so far has been spent with and amongst ordinary Victorians. I feel and see the concerns of those around me. I can address these concerns as your representative as I am truly independent. I do not live in a political bubble and am not answerable to backroom officials, lobbyists, donors, or powerbrokers.

I have served the Albert Park community for 15 years. Now, I would like to do so as your local MP.

Together, we can do this.

My main policy priorities are to:

• Ensure all members of our community feel safe in their homes and on the streets, by planning and funding police, justice and welfare services
• Give small businesses a greater voice in relevant policy making and create greater awareness of the programs already in place to develop and support small businesses.
• Fight for greater transparency and integrity in Victorian politics, with properly funded anti-corruption bodies, and an unceasing focus on the welfare of Victorians, not just tired two-party politicking. I pledge to consult with the people of my electorate on all major parliamentary issues, and to be guided by your interests and aspirations.

Advocate for the environment and climate action – globally through the shift to renewable energy and electrification – and locally by protecting and enhancing Albert Park’s natural beauty, including Albert Park Reserve and our many other parks, our beaches and bay.