Alex Dyson is a proud product of South-West Victoria who grew up in Warrnambool and attended local schools. He's earned national recognition as a broadcaster and small business owner, and has deep roots in the community he loves. In 2022, Alex nearly won the "safe" seat of Wannon with his authentic, people-powered campaign, and he's running again to bring real representation to his hometown.

Alex is running because he believes Wannon deserves a better deal after nearly 70 years as a "safe seat." He's seen how our community has been taken for granted, with crumbling roads, struggling healthcare, and rising living costs. Alex wants to make politics work for regular people again, bringing genuine representation that puts the community first rather than toeing a party line or advancing a political career.

Alex will be a genuinely independent voice for Wannon, focused solely on delivering for our community rather than a political party. He knows the challenges we face firsthand—from pothole-filled roads to GP shortages and the cost of living crisis. A vote for Alex is a vote to end decades of being taken for granted and to get a better deal for our region through honest, authentic representation.

When communities vote for independent candidates, they get representatives who answer only to voters, not party bosses or donors. Independents speak freely, work constructively with all sides, and vote based on what's best for their communities. They've proven effective at driving meaningful changes like establishing a federal anti-corruption commission, securing stronger climate action, and making Parliament more accountable and responsive.

Independents can deliver remarkable results for their communities, as proven by Helen Haines in Indi – another regional Victorian seat. She's secured funding for local schools, better telecommunications infrastructure, and millions for community facilities. Helen successfully championed the National Anti-Corruption Commission and housing policies, which both major parties have adopted. Independents work in genuine partnership with their communities, focusing entirely on local priorities rather than party politics. They can call out bad decisions regardless of who makes them and cut through partisan games to achieve practical outcomes.

Also, recent polls suggest an 80% chance of a minority government at the next election. That means neither major party has enough seats to form the government without the support of the "cross bench" MPs (the independents or minority party representatives). If this happens, Alex, as a cross-bench member, would be in a position of significant influence.  

For more information, take a look at this Fact Sheet.

Alex's policies come directly from listening to thousands of community members across Wannon through doorknocking, community events, surveys, and one-on-one conversations. He takes the best ideas from experts, people with lived experience, and across the political spectrum to find practical solutions for our region. This community-driven approach ensures Alex's platform reflects what actually matters to Wannon, not party talking points.

As an independent candidate, Alex doesn't control the flow of preferences—that decision rests with you, the voter. Unlike political parties, Independents don't direct preferences through how-to-vote cards. Alex encourages every voter to number every box according to their own values and priorities, making their own informed choice about which candidates best represent their interests.

For more information go here.

Alex will approach every vote and bill on its merits, guided by what's best for Wannon and the national interest.

If there is a hung parliament (when no single party or coalition of parties has a majority of seats in the House of Representatives) he will work across the aisle to support whichever party can offer stable, good government while maintaining his independence to negotiate for Wannon's priorities. No blank checks will be given—Alex will always put our community's interests first when deciding how to vote on legislation.

Alex's campaign is powered by donations from hundreds of community members who believe in a better deal for Wannon. Transparency and accountability are core values, so we disclose every donation above $1,000 (and smaller amounts where donors consent) here.

Unlike major parties, Independent campaigns don't receive public funding unless they earn over 4% of the vote. Our transparent approach reflects Alex's commitment to the integrity and accountability often missing in politics. All donations are regularly updated on our website, and those above $16,900 are disclosed within two weeks.

Alex started running as an independent in 2019 - years before the term "teal" existed.

While he respects what Independents of all persuasions do for their communities, Alex's campaign is uniquely focused on Wannon's specific needs. His orange branding reflects his energetic, authentic approach, and his policies are driven by local needs rather than any external political movement or grouping.

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The term was added to the Macquarie dictionary in 2022:

There are many ways to help get a better deal for Wannon! You can volunteer to doorknock, make phone calls, put up a yard sign, deliver goods, or help at polling booths at pre-polling centres and booths on election day. 

Visit our Get Involved page to sign up or drop into a hub for a chat. If you're outside the electorate, you can still help by donating to support our campaign, joining our phone banking team to call Wannon voters, or spreading the word on social media.

Every bit of support will help get a community independent elected in Wannon.