BECOME A VOLUNTEER

I joined Allegra’s team as a volunteer before the election because I wanted to contribute to positive change. In my role I connect with Wentworth residents, help them with their issues and concerns, and ensure concerns are fed back to Allegra. One of these areas of concern for me and Wentworth is Australia’s treatment of refugees and asylum seekers. Allegra shares these concerns and I am really proud to be working with an MP that is taking action on this important issue. Volunteering in an MPs office is very new to me.  I am learning a lot about politics, and at the same time working in a great team and having lots of fun.

As a receptionist the main role is really to be a gatekeeper, fielding calls and visitors to work out who they need to speak to or where they need to go. Sometimes people just want a chat or to pass on a message.  So, for good government we need to have honest, hard  working, caring and smart MP's. Allegra is one such person and it is a big hard job. Being an independent she doesn't have the backing of a big party, she employs a great team but there is so much work to do. In order to aid Allegra and her team to deliver good service and policy I am part of a large body of volunteers that helps make the office tick.  The best days are when they have meetings and I get to eat the left-over cakes and pastries! Besides that, I have always enjoyed following politics and it's so nice to see Allegra and her team working to achieve better outcomes.   

I love being a volunteer because I enjoy connecting with people across the Wentworth community and participating in a healthy democracy. I'm able to leverage skills from my corporate background to help with engagement, planning, and coordination activities such as organising the Powering Wentworth Summit - what an incredible opportunity that has been!

I signed up as a "teal volunteer" after hearing Allegra articulate her strong independent message at a Politics in the Pub event. Her progressive platform for action on climate change, political integrity, equality and inclusivity resonates with my views. And my conversations with Allegra and observation of her warm interaction with others convince me she is a rare authentic individual and local MP, not just another "career politician". During the Campaign, I particularly enjoyed the camaraderie and shared purpose of the "Teal Waves".  More recently, I’ve volunteered by running a "Listening Post" to gather the views of the electorate and questions for Allegra.

I have been part of Allegra's campaign since the early days and I am delighted to be able to continue the connection as a volunteer assisting with constituent enquiries. We have shared the enquiries based on our experience and interest. I specialise in economics, tax and superannuation, as well as human rights and privacy. We receive an incredible range of queries, so the work is interesting. We have a substantial sized team, with experience in a wide range of issues. There is always someone to discuss the issues with, as well as support from Allegra's staff. We hope we provide an effective service for the constituents of Wentworth; giving the constituents of Wentworth a voice is the reason we engaged with Allegra's campaign at the start.