Gilmore Independent Radiates Energy and Rallies Community
Fun isn't the first word that comes to mind when we think about politics. But Kate Dezarnaulds intends to change that with her announcement today of candidacy as an independent for Gilmore in the upcoming federal election.
by Cat Holloway /
Surrounded by friends, family and supporters in Berry, Dezarnaulds officially declared herself "mad, brave and willing" and vowed to create a sea of yellow across the electorate to "reclaim a sense of hope" and turn it into action for "a different and fairer future".
"A future that doesn't leave our next generation despairing about their future - one which is based on kindness and listening and inclusion and equity," Dezarnaulds said.
"We don't need to believe that things are on an inevitable spiral downward.
"We are going to really embrace the idea that politics is about people and not about parties.
"If it's about parties, those parties don't look like very much fun and we're going to show them how much fun it really can be.
"Energy and optimism equals opportunity."
Dezarnaulds is one of those people who seem to fit 40 hours of activity into a 24-hour day.
That skill will serve her well over the coming months as she campaigns against some experienced political operatives from the two major parties, Labor's current Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, and former Liberal NSW Treasurer, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Andrew Constance.
Campaign manager Will Davies said many people had pushed Dezarnaulds to run for political office.
"Kate is one of those rare people who doesn't just talk about making a difference. She lives it every single day," Davies said.
"She listens, she understands and then she delivers - and all of this while building a prospering co-working business, Work Life, which itself is set up to serve the community.
"She's the President of the Berry Chamber of Commerce...she's not only doubled its size during some of the most challenging times that we've faced, but also led Berry to win the Top Tourism Town award three years in a row, a testament to her ability to bring people together and create something extraordinary.
" I've always been blown away by the massive amount of energy, passion and relentless drive that she has, which has already led to such a significant impact on our community.
"I've watched this with amazement and awe and quite frankly, sometimes I don't know how she fits all of this in."
Known for speaking truth to power, being unafraid to confront detractors while radiating unbridled optimism, Dezanaulds is certainly a force to be reckoned with.
She has decades of leadership experience, is deeply engaged in local issues and has a professional track record in small business, community development, and regional advocacy.
A mother raising three teenagers and married to a local builder, Dezarnaulds' Work Life business not only survived COVID but thrived, earning the title of Shoalhaven Small Business of the Year in 2024.
Dezarnaulds' influence extends across the region, where she has delivered transformative projects like The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal’s $4.7 million ‘Investing in Rural Community Futures’ program, supporting grassroots organisations in bushfire recovery in Batemans Bay, Nowra, Bay and Basin, Ulladulla and Kangaroo Valley.
While Head of Partnerships for StartupAus, she championed Australia’s entrepreneurs and startups, and her leadership spans numerous boards, including the National Trust and Shoalhaven Tourism Board.
As a Gilmore candidate, she stands for affordable housing and healthcare and is committed to creating opportunities in the sustainable energy transition.
“We need bold, practical action on climate change to safeguard our community and future generations," Dezarnaulds said.
"I’ll fight for investment in renewables and a just transition to clean energy that benefits everyday people, not multinational corporations."
Dezarnaulds said her campaign will focus on building stronger, more connected communities and delivering genuinely independent representation.
“Gilmore is my home. It’s where I’ve raised my children, built a business, and invested in the people and places that make this region so special,” she said.
“I’ve been here through the fires and the floods and seen the magic that happens when our community comes together.
"But I cannot stand by and suffer the division, distraction, and denial that is driving our broken political system.
“Thriving communities are built on collaboration, opportunity, and resilience.
"This community deserves leadership that listens, acts with integrity, and seizes the opportunities of innovation and progress to build a better future— not leadership driven by party agendas.
“Gilmore doesn’t need career politicians, it needs someone who’s lived the challenges of this community and is ready to fight for its future.”
To learn more about Kate Dezarnaulds’ vision for Gilmore or to join the campaign, visit https://kateforgilmore.nationbuilder.com/
