Be part of a movement for change
Great leaders come from all walks of life – it could be a neighbour, a local volunteer, a teacher, a business owner or community organiser.
We are seeking strong, thoughtful leaders who are deeply connected to our community and ready to serve it without party constraints.
Key attributes
• Community-centred: A great independent, at the local, state or federal level, is someone who listens first and acts second. They take the time to understand what matters most across their area – from local families to seniors, small business owners to young voters – and they apply those insights back into their work.
• Integrity and ethical leadership: Our candidate will be known for honesty, transparency and ethical decision-making – someone who puts people above politics, and is accountable to the community, not a party hierarchy.
• Collaborative and inclusive: They will bring people together across backgrounds and viewpoints, encourage respectful debate and genuine engagement rather than division. The ability to build consensus is critical.
• Evidence-driven thinker: Our ideal candidate weighs issues based on evidence and long-term benefit, not on ideology, donors or short-term political gain. They ask critical questions and seek the best solutions for residents.
• Strong communicator: Whether speaking at a community event, responding to a resident’s concern, or explaining policy ideas at Council or in the State or Federal Parliament, our candidate must be an effective, clear communicator who can articulate the community’s priorities.
• Ready to step up: This isn’t about celebrity or profile — it’s about authentic leadership. We’re looking for someone with the drive to serve, a belief in community-first representation, and the resilience to champion causes that matter.
We will give you the support you need to succeed
NCV realises what a big commitment an independent candidate needs to be successful.
The NCV Board will establish a new “Candidate Endorsement and Integrity Committee” to oversee the selection and vetting process, which will ensure compliance with the basic legal requirements applicable at each of the three levels of government. In addition the Committee will ensure the candidate is a Member of NCV (or is willing to become one) and discuss the reasons they have decided to run for election, the impact on their life, family, career and finances.
Candidates will have to provide assurances that there is nothing in their background, political involvement or social media history that could be likely to bring the reputation or non-partisan credentials of NCV into disrepute.
If the Committee is successful in identifying a suitable candidate willing to proceed with nomination, NCV will enter into an agreement with the candidate covering the contribution of both parties to the campaign and the expectations of the performance of parties over the period up until the next election, if the candidate is successful.
Endorsement would commit the parties as follows:
• NCV would provide volunteers to assist with campaign tasks like roadside, door-knocking, telephone, flyer distribution, meeting support etc. and use of the campaign tools of the NCV IT platform; and
• The Candidate would establish a separate legal entity to manage fundraising, insurance and provision of signage, T-shirts, advertising etc.