At CIP we are dedicated to building community and supporting community-minded independent candidates to get elected to Parliament. We do this by sharing skills and knowledge and facilitating community connection at our regular online events.
The recordings of the events can be accessed below. Please sign up to our newsletter to keep up-to-date with our events program or find information on the Events page.
Strong, active and engaged communities are an essential pillar of healthy democracy, particularly in the digital age.
Richard Denniss and Nicollette Boele discuss how dis and misinformation undermines democracy in Australia and the power organised communities can harness by owning the narrative through established networks of trust.
Zoe Daniel MP in conversation with Kos Samaras and Ann-Charlott Paduch. This insightful discussion covers community building and the power of local conversations to demographics, disinformation and trust in democracy.
An outstanding Panel of influential rural women in discussion about the Voice to Parliament and what it means for rural, regional and remote Australia.
The Panel shares practical strategies and creative ways to bring everyone into the conversation about the Voice Referendum. From migrant communities, faith groups, disabled, to playgroups, schools, education institutions, clubs, local businesses and more, we explore local action and diversity.
Showcasing Community Independent best practice campaigning in support of the Voice. Sue Barrett, a Captain for Yes and Campaign Manager for Zoe Daniel, will share her experience, tools and tips for successful community campaigning.
An insightful and inspiring discussion between Craig Foster AM and Dr Sophie Scamps, Community Independent MP for Mackellar. Craig is a former Socceroo, broadcaster, human rights advocate, 2023 NSW Australian of the Year and Chair Australian Republic Movement. He reminds us that politics is everyone's business, sharing his experiences and why everyone needs to be an active participant in political and civic life.
Cathy McGowan asks what makes a healthy ecosystem in this unique and special discussion with all the Community Independent MPs. They discuss how they are working with their communities, and their communities are working with them, and share their thoughts on what it means to be an effective MP.
Dean Parkin, Campaign Director Yes23, in conversation with Professor Kate Auty. Dean shares his insights on how the campaign is engaging Australians to accept the invitation to recognise First Nations peoples by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament. The discussion sets the scene for the more detailed session on how communities can support the campaign.
Tina Jackson in conversation with Emily Holm, National Field Organiser Yes23; Mary Crooks AO, Project Director Together Yes; Kath Naish, Community Engagement Manager for Allegra Spender MP; and Nicolette Boele, Shadow representative for Bradfield. The panel shares how they are working to encourage participation in the YES vote through grassroots community action, including tips and ideas on how we can all play our part.
Be inspired by the stories of three courageous communities taking political action. Kate Gunn tells us about the Liverpool Plains community fighting the expansion of gas on prime agricultural land. Suzie Pearce shares how the community driven North-East Rail Alliance is challenging the Inland Rail Project and Jacqui Scruby explains how communities are working to stop oil drilling off the northern beaches of Sydney.
Some communities came very close to electing an Independent at the last election, others have more work to do. Whatever stage in the independent journey, the Panel will share how they are keeping the independent flame alive in their communities throughout the electoral cycle. Community participation in democracy does not stop at an Election and there are many ways of winning.
Sue Barrett leads this vital discussion with Rob Baillieu, Kooyong campaign; Elli Murphy, Goldstein campaign, Taylah Schrader, Warringah campaign, and Alex Dyson, Independent Candidate for Wannon. They discuss ideas on community building, engaging younger people in politics, and encouraging the next generation of political leaders. The longevity and sustainability of the movement depends on how well we can do this.
The conversation covers setting up a group as well as new ideas and approaches for the evolution of established groups. Inspired by the Kitchen Table Conversation model used by Voices of Indi, the groups that have formed organically across the country are all unique to their communities, pollinating political awareness and inspiring action.
An innovative session with Cathy McGowan to turbo charge your networking. Cathy shares her vast skills and expertise in networking with intent. She covers how to network to get a community group going, as well as how to expand your group and contacts to further your political cause.
Kerry O’Brien leads this riveting and inspiring conversation with Kate Chaney, Kylea Tink and Cathy McGowan.
Zali Steggall and Ed Coper discuss what disinformation is, how it threatens our democracy and how communities can defuse and combat disinformation.
The First Nations Voice to Parliament referendum marks a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. This Zoom discussion cuts through the noise and diversionary arguments to give us knowledge, practical steps and a values-based process that communities can use to support the YES vote.
Spotlighting how democracy work is unfolding in real time in the Wentworth and Goldstein communities with Allegra Spender and Zoe Daniel.
Our new Independent MPs tell us what it means to them to be a community independent and how they intend to work with their communities.
Zali Steggall OAM MP (Climate Act Now) and Dr Helen Haines MP (ICAC) discuss how Community Independents collaborate with their community to pursue key national issues.
Experts discuss the key support pillars for community politics and campaigns including fundraising, strategy, messaging and tech tools.
Holding your Party MP to account, what being a ‘Shadow’ representative means and political action by community groups.
Insider tactics: how to get things done with MPs and peak bodies
Speakers share their experiences starting ‘Voices of’ and other activitst community groups to help others getting started.
Community Independents herald a fundamental shift in the relationship between constituents and their representatives.
What does it mean to have a Community Independent in the Senate from a personal, electorate and national perspective?
