Groom race heats up as new candidate throws hat in ring

It could be months before Toowoomba heads to the polls, but the race is already heating up as another candidate steps forward.

Another independent candidate has thrown their hat in the ring for next year’s federal election and she hopes the result will make history.

Former nurse Kirstie Smolenski said her decision to run in the Groom electorate stemmed from her growing desire to help the community.

An active volunteer, she works closely with Tony’s Kitchen and as the volunteer co-ordinator for St Vincent’s Private Hospital.

And should she win the majority of votes, the mother-of-five said her focus will be on climate change and housing affordability, among other important issues.

“I was very active in Toowoomba’s recycled water debate 15 years ago, but we still do not have any significant action in this area despite almost 70% of voters wanting increased action on climate change and sustainable living solutions,” Ms Smolenski said.

“(Tony’s Kitchen) isn’t just for people sleeping rough, but people in extreme housing stress who are paying so much rent that they can’t afford to feed themselves.”

Now working in a vaccination clinic for Queensland Health and helping to run a family-operated construction company, health and supporting local businesses remains high on the candidate’s priority list too.

Kirstie Smolenski has announced she will be running as an independent candidate in the 2022 federal election.

When Toowoomba business owners first felt the hit of Covid-19, Ms Smolenski, alongside Emma Mactaggart, launched Facebook group TLC For TRC (Tender Loving Care for The Regional Community), in a bid to show support.

The group has now attracted more than 6300 members.

But it’s not the first time the candidate has stepped into the world of politics, after she ran in the Toowoomba Regional Council election last year.

And while she didn’t win the votes on that occasion, Ms Smolenski said the experience prepared her for the Federal election race.

“Having three daughters, I want them to have the same opportunities as my sons, so to be able to make history for Groom by being the first female elected would be incredible,” Ms Smolenski said.

“I would also like to be a role model for young women growing up in the area and show them that they too can aspire to step into leadership roles.”

The independent candidate said she has not made a decision about preference voting yet, but will base it on how the people of Groom vote.