Frequently Asked Questions
What is NCV?
NCV stands for Northside Community Voices. We are a non-partisan group of residents working to ensure that our local City of Moreton Bay community has a clear, rational, and persistent voice to all three levels of government—not just during the six weeks before an election
What do you mean by 'Doing Democracy Differently'?
Standard politics often relies on outrage and division to get attention. We do it differently by focusing on solutions, not scapegoats. We gather everyday concerns from neighbours year-round and present them to our representatives as structured, community-backed evidence. We believe democracy should be a constant conversation, not a once-every-three-years transaction.
Why are you out here if there isn't an election?
Elections are when politicians listen most, but the work of a community happens every day. We’re building the framework of a permanent resident-powered network now so that when the next election arrives, the Northside is already organized. We want to ensure that whoever runs for office has to answer to the real needs of our community, not just listening to lobbyists for vested interests or the loud opinions of a few.
How can I get involved if I’m busy?
That’s the beauty of NCV. You don’t need to be a political activist. You can contribute by simply sharing a local concern with us, putting a sticker on your car, or joining our mailing list to stay informed. We turn these small, individual voices into a single, powerful ‘Northside Voice’ that government can’t ignore.
Are you a new political party?
No. We are a community advocacy group. We only identify, endorse then support independent candidates if we do not believe any of the existing candidates in any electorate are not sufficiently aligned with the values shared by our members or considered unable or unlikely to deliver on the issues and priorities of our community.
We aim to hold all candidates and elected officials to a higher standard of accountability and decency.
Are you a funded by Climate 200, Advance or by any other major campaign funding aggregator?
No. We have never received funding from Climate 200, Advance or any other funding body. We currently receive small regular donations from some our City of Moreton Bay resident members. Membership is free but it helps if people choose to chip in whatever they can afford, once-off or on a recurrent basis. Although Climate 200 may provide partial funding to some community independents, it does not control the candidates’ platforms. These independents focus on serving their constituents, ensuring the community’s needs guide their actions in government. Our constitution precludes us from accepting donations from any person or organisation that comes with “strings” attached. |
What is a “Teal” and is that the same as “Voices of” or “Community Independent”
The term “Teal” was ‘made up’ by the media with reference to a group of Independent, community-supported candidates who rose to prominence during the 2022 Federal election, often competing in traditionally safe Liberal seats. It is now used as a derogatory reference by people who are opposed to the threat posed by ordinary people trying to improve the state of political debate and conduct in Australia. These candidates prioritised policies such as climate action, support for women’s issues, concern for the rights of vulnerable minority groups, political integrity, and local concerns (which NCV also strongly support). |
How can I Join NCV?
Full (voting) membership is available to all residents of the City of Moreton Bay aged 16 years or over except elected representatives. Because we are a non-partisan community association, if you are an elected Local, State or Federal Government representative, we ask that you sign up as a “Friend of NCV” which allows Friends to stay in touch and participate in NCV activities but not participate in voting at meetings. Also, if you are aged under 16, or are supporter living outside the CoMB, you can join and participate as a non-voting Friend of NCV |
Why would Young People Join up as Friends of NCV?
Becoming a ‘Friend’ enables youngsters who are concerned about how their interests and rights are being ignored to get together and advocate for changes in legislation at State and Federal levels that they find unfair and/or restrictive.
Can Members of other Voices Groups sign up as Friends?
Yes, we encourage people in other parts of Australia working on common problems like housing, immigration issues, violence against women, children and minority groups to collaborate with members of our Working Groups trying to find workable solutions to wide-spread problems, sharing knowledge and networking.
What is in the NCV Knowledge Base?
Our Members and Friends collaborate in Working Groups to review residents’ desired outcomes and priorities, research issues and find credible references and data from reputable institutions such as major universities and scientific and industry think tanks.
Our research is conducted by volunteers who often have relevant industry and academic experience and qualifications. We hope information that is researched and reviewed in this manner can become a trusted source of searchable information to inform debate on important issues affecting our community.