In that time, the people of Indi elected their own independent representatives, and inspired a national movement that is transforming Australian politics.
It’s an incredible story and this week, hundreds of people attended launch events, celebrating Voices for Indi’s new book, The Indi Way.
The book, written by a collective of 12 people closely involved with Voices for Indi, tells the inside story of how and why it all began.
The model has since inspired more than 40 communities around the country to adopt Indi’s values-based, respectful processes to try and change the political play-book in their own electorates.
There have been four separate launch events so far and each one has shown that the community appetite for engaging with politics at a grassroots level and celebrating what has been achieved in Indi is not diminishing.
More than 80 people came together last Wednesday, May 24 at Benalla Library to hear Alana Johnson chat with three of her fellow chapter authors, Amanda Aldous, Tammy Atkins and Rob Carolane.
Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines spoke briefly and it was an evening of interesting conversation and warm hospitality with food prepared by volunteers and wine generously donated by Baddaginnie Run.
Many community members in attendance proudly connected with the book, reflecting on their own involvement with various Voices for Indi processes, or ‘Team Orange’ election campaigns, and spoke about what it meant to see this remarkable story finally told by those who made it happen.
Indi community member Eric Bittner said he was glad the book has been written.
“I really enjoyed reading the behind-the-scenes stories and the many anecdotes from community members,” Mr Bittner said.
“It reminded me of why I love living in Indi so much and I’m so proud to have done my bit to help create this change.
“History has been made here and this book shows that people can do anything if they just get involved and get organised.”
The book is available now in bookstores and online.
There are further launch events happening in Canberra and Sydney. Find out more via voicesforindi.com
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