Kendall Trudgen named The Greens’ Casuarina candidate for the 2020 Territory election

NHULUNBUY independent MLA Yingiya Guyula’s former campaign manager will run for The Greens at the upcoming Territory election, while admitting he isn’t a “rusted-on” member of the left-leaning party.

Kendall Trudgen is running for The Greens in the seat of Casuarina. Picture: Che Chorley

NHULUNBUY independent MLA Yingiya Guyula’s former campaign manager will run for The Greens at the upcoming Territory election, while admitting he isn’t a “rusted-on” member of the left-leaning party.

Community development worker Kendall Trudgen, 39, will run for The Greens in Casuarina, a seat currently held by Tourism, Sport and Culture Minister Lauren Moss.

Mr Trudgen, a father of two who spent his formative teen years in East Arnhem, ran as an independent in Nhulunbuy in 2012 before helping run Mr Guyula’s successful campaign at the 2016 election.

MORE TOP STORIES

Cracker night cancelled over COVID-19 concerns

Chief Minister announces $20 million JobKeeper gap-filling plan

Government halts unpopular new renters’ pet laws, citing COVID-19

Now based in the Darwin suburb Tiwi, Mr Trudgen admitted he was “more of an independent” than a rusted-on Greens member but was running with the party because he supports their message of “consensus decision making” to create healthier communities and their emphasis on the environment being a critical part of democracy.

“I came out of East Arnhem, it should not be a big surprise, because (the environment) is a big part of indigenous perspective,” he said.

“There’s people, there’s law, and there’s country – the land.”

Amazing NT News subscription offer: Only $1 for first 28 days

Mr Trudgen is the second confirmed Greens candidate for the Territory’s August 22 election, alongside Nightcliff candidate Billee McGinley, with the party expected to announce more candidates.