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Cathy McGowan

Cathy McGowan came to national attention when she won the seat of Indi as an independent in 2013, becoming the first female independent to sit on the crossbench. Winning the seat of Indi, after the Coalition had held the seat for 82 years, was a watershed moment. Indi became ‘Exhibit A’ for future political campaigns – from Kerryn Phelps as the Member for Wentworth to Zali Steggall in Warringah. The community backed McGowan again in 2016 for a second term, including during the minority government of Scott Morrison where, together with the crossbench, she held the balance of power. In 2019 she was thrilled to be part of the campaign that saw Dr Helen Haines elected as Indi’s second female independent, a win that made Australian political history.

During her time as a politician Cathy actively worked in Parliament to develop policy around regional development, a national integrity commission, a code of conduct for politicians, as well as drought policy. In 2019 she was awarded The Accountability Round Table award for political integrity. She is an Officer of the Order of Australia, a Churchill fellow and lives very happily on her farm in the Indigo Valley in northeastern Victoria.

For more information about Cathy’s time in parliament, details of speeches, legislation, pictures, and connections to Voices for Indi, please go to www.cathymcgowan.com.

Cathy McGowan

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Events

The Big Teal – Net Zero: Investing in the Future (Brisbane)

Playhouse, QPAC Corner Grey and Melbourne Streets, South Brisbane, QLD

A decade-long climate war and inadequate government action have left a vacuum of opportunities that are being sucked up by an increasing number of business leaders, investors and activists. Respected...

$30 – $35

Book launch | Monash University Low FODMAP: The Cookbook (Invitation Only)

Monash University Caulfield Monash Art, Design and Architecture Exhibition Space,, Caulfield

120 delicious and easy-to-follow recipes developed by the founders of the FODMAP diet This is the perfect cooking companion to better manage symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Offering 120...

Book Launch: The Uncertainty Effect by Michelle Lazarus

Matheson Library Monash University, Clayton, VIC

To be launched by Professor Sharon Pickering A smart, practical book that shows us how to navigate uncertain times In an age of pandemic and economic precarity, how can we...

Gender Equality Forum (including Inala Cooper)

Wurriki Nyal 137-149 Mercer Street, Geelong, VIC

The fight for gender equality has been a drawn-out battle. Since the 1900’s, women have led the conversation. They have been challenging patriarchal systems, policies, and laws to ensure that...