Why Portland Civic Centre is pivotal in Wannon seat this Federal Election

With the Federal Election looming, we asked voters in a crucial electorate in south-west Victoria how they’re voting.

Voters in the south-west seaside electorate of Wannon have helped determine the result of the Federal Election since 2004 but this year appear undecided on who will get their nod.

The Portland Civic Centre is considered a bellweather booth — where voters have picked the result of each election for almost a decade.

But with a population of more than 9500 and a median age of 45, when Leader spoke to businesses in Portland they seemed focused on what they need, not who they need.

Portland construction worker Jason Dwyer. Picture: Montanna Macdonald.

Portland construction worker Jason Dwyer is on the fence about who will get his vote.

“I am a fence sitter for either party just because I don't like the look or smell of either,” he said.

“I don’t think any of them represent leaders at a national level who will do what the country needs. They follow party lines and do what’s good for the party and re-election, not what people need, not what the country needs.”

But he admitted the Covid pandemic had been difficult to manage.

“Whoever was in charge, you'd be looking back; having had two years of hindsight going, I think we could have done things better,” he said.

“They probably did their best based on their advice, but was the advice that we’re getting any good? Who knows.”

Portland business owner Carol Bradley. Picture: Montanna Macdonald.

Portland Florist business owner Carol Bradley has voted Labor her entire life.

This year she wants a leader with “guts" who will stand up for what her community needs.

“My parents were (Labor supporters), my grandparents were, and I will never change,” she said.

This election she said her concern was the number of businesses which have closed.

“I honestly believe that some could have worked when the pandemic was on, and they chose not to. People here still need to go shopping, do all their things, and can't go anywhere.”

Portland Intimate Apparel owner Deb Edwards. Picture: Montanna Macdonald.

Portland’s Intimates Apparel business owner Deb Edwards has lived in Portland for 24 years. She believes the local hospital, which is “functioning on zero”, needs significant help.

She also says the relationship between states and federal government is concerning.

“We have a Prime Minister. We all have different states. Is he not the chief? They're telling him what to do. It makes me angry because they’re like kindergarten kids. Kindergarten kids are more well behaved than politicians," Ms Edwards said.

Portland’s Voyage, Surf, Ski, Skate owner Marcus England. Picture: Montanna Macdonald.

Meanwhile, Portland‘s Voyage Surf, Ski, Skate business owner Marcus England is looking for security ahead of the federal election.

“Whoever does that, whoever the party (will get my vote),” he said.

“Sometimes I think we take the situation for granted in Australia; you’ve got a war going on overseas. That's scary, and thinking long term, it’d be crippling to this town if another strain did happen.

“Hopefully, Australians, not just Portland, can stick on someone that will lead the way and have those characteristics. It can't get any worse than these last couple of years. I want to move forward.”

Originally published as Why Portland Civic Centre is pivotal in Wannon seat this Federal Election