Kate Gazzard revealed as Greens candidate for Wannon

An ex-Surf Coast councillor who was unsuccessful in seeking re-election last year has put her hand up for a lower house seat.

Former Surf Coast Shire councillor Kate Gazzard is running as the Greens candidate for Wannon.

An ex-Surf Coast councillor, who was unsuccessful at the last local elections, has put her hat in the ring for a lower house seat.

Kate Gazzard, who served as a councillor from 2020 to 2024, has announced she will be running as the Greens candidate for the seat of Wannon.

Currently held by Liberal MP Dan Tehan, the seat takes in much of the Otway Ranges ward that Ms Gazzard ran for in last year’s council elections.

Ms Gazzard said her priorities as the member for Wannon would include fighting for “climate action and social justice”.

“We need to have Greens representation in all levels of government, with a seat at the table and a voice in the chamber to keep challenging outdated and conservative views,” she said.

“We need to hold the old parties to account and challenge all levels of government on issues that affect not only our local precinct, but the whole planet.

“As citizens of the world, we have a duty of care to the current generation, and future generations, whether it be reducing and mitigating the effects of climate change, speaking out against violence and war, or pushing for social justice, gender and racial equity.”

The latest announcement comes just weeks after the party’s original candidate Lauren Green was forced to withdraw her name from the race due to her holding dual citizenship.

The race for Wannon could be an interesting one.

Mr Tehan saw a more-than six per cent swing against him at the 2022 elections, predominantly due to a strong campaign by ex-Triple J presenter Alex Dyson.

Following preferences, Mr Tehan’s victory margin was just 7.84 per cent.

Mr Dyson is running again for the seat and hopes to lessen that margin again in 2025.

Ms Gazzard is the second unsuccessful council candidate from 2024 to be put up by the Greens in the region.

Emilie Flynn, who ran for a spot on the City of Greater Geelong, was announced as the party’s candidate for Corio in January.

Originally published as Kate Gazzard revealed as Greens candidate for Wannon