A big thank you to the CWA Uranquinty Evening Branch for hosting this important community event ahead of the election.

It’s a great opportunity to have open, respectful conversations about the issues that matter most to the people of the Riverina — from the challenges families are facing to the future of our local services and economy.

I’m proud to be part of a candidate panel where community voices come first. Hope to see many of you there — and if you can’t make it in person, tune in via the CWA Uranquinty Evening Branch Facebook page.

We will be in Tumut, if you’re in the area, drop by for a chat, ask a question, or just grab a flyer and say g’day. We’d love to hear what matters most to you this election.

A win for regional mental health — and a welcome step forward for Young.

James and Helen were pleased to attend the official opening of the new Medicare Mental Health Centre in Young today — a much-needed service offering free, walk-in support for adults experiencing mental health challenges or distress.

Mental health care should be accessible, local, and judgment-free — and this new centre is a step in the right direction. No appointment needed. No Medicare card required. Just walk in and get the help you need.

Congratulations to all the partners and professionals who brought this to life. James believes rural and regional communities deserve more of this — real services, in real time, where they’re needed most.

James and Helen will be at the Collingullie Hotel - The Gullie Pub this Sunday (13 April 2025) from 5pm, joined by locals Matt Quade and Doug Walker.

Whether you're keen to raise an issue, have a question, or just want a relaxed chat over a cold one — you’re most welcome to drop in.

This is what the campaign is all about: showing up, listening, and hearing directly from the people who make our communities what they are.

Hope to see you there!

Thank you, Jugiong!

What a perfect day at The Sir George Markets — set under the shady trees in the stunning garden, with clever local makers, unique products, and great conversations flowing all day.

From handmade jewellery and preserves to metalwork, wine, bric-a-brac and more — it was a true celebration of creativity and community. Special shoutout to the Jugiong Public School kids doing a fantastic job collecting donations — well done!

To everyone who stopped by, whether you’re from the local area or just passing through — thank you for supporting small businesses and the Riverina spirit.

Our team will be at the Tumbarumba Kiosk from 10am Saturday.

Barton Highway Duplication Rally– James will head over to Coronation Park, Yass at 10am to stand with locals calling for long-overdue action.

The need to duplicate the Barton Highway is something the community understands well—the time is now.

Join the rally and convoy to Murrumbateman. Let’s stand united and have the message heard.

James and Helen are at the Murrumbateman Village Market this morning, meeting locals and chatting about the issues that matter most to the region.

While James is heading over to the Duplicate the Barton Highway Rally at 10am, Helen will be staying at the market stall — so feel free to drop by, have a chat, and grab a flyer (or a local treat!).

It’s all about being present, listening to the community, and backing regional voices.

James is on the road this Thursday!

Late afternoon – Sutton

James is on the road this Thursday!

Early afternoon – Murrumbateman

James is on the road this Thursday!

Lunch – Yass

James is on the road this Thursday!

Morning tea time – Bookham

We’re honoured to have the support of David Farley—respected regional advocate and experienced agribusiness leader. Join James and David for an informal, open-air conversation about the future of our region.

Wagga Wagga Boat Club, Lake Albert

Last night, James and the team had a fantastic time at the Cootamundra Easter Extravaganza and Fireworks Display.

Highlights included:

Winning the Meat Raffle: A big thank you to the organizers for a well-run event and the generous prize.

Dachshund Dash: The Dachshund races were a crowd favorite, showcasing the fun and community spirit of Cootamundra.

Local Talent: We were blown away by the performances of young, talented kids giving it their all on stage. Their dedication and passion truly embody the vibrant future of our region.

Events like these highlight the strength and unity of our regional communities. James is committed to supporting and advocating for the people and initiatives that make the Riverina such a special place.

To cap off the day, the team travelled to the Stockinbingal Bush Dance at Ellwoods Hall, where The Tin Shed Rattlers had the whole crowd on their feet. A perfect way to end a day filled with connection, culture, and classic Riverina spirit.

Yesterday, James and Helen had the pleasure of attending the Khancoban Long Lunch—a brilliant afternoon celebrating community, local produce, creativity and connection in the stunning Snowy Valleys.

The atmosphere was vibrant, with a beautifully catered three-course meal by Harvest Kitchen, soulful music from Paige Lee, drinks by the KUVA bar supporting Khancoban RFS, and stunning styling from Corryong Country Blooms.

A special highlight of the afternoon was the unveiling of two new sculptures as part of the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail. Davina Corti (Sculpture by the Sea) delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the impact of the trail in attracting visitors and strengthening regional tourism. We’d like to thank Davina, and all those contributing to this cultural and economic initiative—building pride and resilience throughout the region.

A big thank you also to the Khancoban United Volunteers Association, Mayor Julia Ham, and the Snowy Valleys Council team for hosting such a memorable event. It’s clear how much people love where they live—and with good reason.

Batlow Show – Celebrating 101 Years Today!

It’s Show Day in Batlow – and what a milestone to celebrate! The community is coming together today to mark an incredible 101 years of the Batlow Show, a proud tradition of showcasing local produce, talent, and country spirit.

James and Helen Gooden are attending from around 11am and will be walking the showgrounds throughout the day, chatting with locals and enjoying everything this iconic event has to offer.

They’re looking forward to being part of the day, seeing the displays and activities – just like those at the Tumut Show earlier this month, (pictured below), celebrating with the community, and hearing directly from residents about what matters most to them.

A big congratulations to all involved in bringing this show to life once again – your dedication keeps these vital traditions

A big thank you to the Gunning District Association for hosting last night’s candidate's forum, and to Bernie for chairing the discussion so well. It was great to see such strong community engagement from across Gunning, Upper Lachlan, and Yass Valley.

The forum covered a range of critical issues, including:

Energy security and responsible planning

Cost of living pressures and interest rate relief

Political donations and their influence on democracy

The future of flexible work arrangements and return-to-office mandates

Community forums like this are a fantastic way to have real conversations about the issues that matter. I appreciated the opportunity to share my perspective and hear directly from locals about their concerns and priorities.

Thank you as well to the incumbent and fellow candidates for taking part in the discussion—it’s important that voters have the opportunity to hear from everyone putting their hand up to represent the Riverina.

Thanks again to the organisers, the engaged audience, and of course, the GDA team for the warm welcome (and a great supper!).

James will be on the road this Wednesday, March 12, visiting communities across the Riverina to hear directly from locals about the issues that matter most.

Marrar – 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM

Coolamon – 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Ganmain – 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Ardlethan – From 3:00 PM

If you see James out and about, come over and have a chat—whether it’s about local businesses, farming challenges, essential services, or the future of regional communities, he wants to hear from you.

James had a fantastic time at the River & Wren Market, meeting with locals and enjoying the incredible creativity and talent on display. Markets like these are a great reminder of the vibrant small business and creative community that makes the Riverina unique.

It was great to catch up with local artist Kylie van Tol, whose work showcases the depth of talent in our region. Supporting local artists, makers, and small businesses is key to keeping our communities strong and thriving.

Thank you to everyone who stopped for a chat—it’s always great to hear what’s on people’s minds and discuss what matters most to the region.

Celebrating International Women’s Day 2025

On Saturday, March 8, we celebrated how far we’ve come in the fight for gender equality, while recognising that there’s still work to be done. International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on the achievements of women in all areas of society and to reaffirm our commitment to a future where opportunities, respect, and equality are a reality for all.

Helen had the privilege of attending IWD25 March Forward events, celebrating the incredible contributions of women in our region. Meanwhile, James was in Adelong, speaking with locals about the issues that matter most to their community.

Progress happens when we listen, support, and take action—and today, we acknowledge the women who continue to drive change, break barriers, and inspire future generations.

Saturday was a fantastic day spent connecting with communities across the Riverina. James attended the Adelong Show, meeting with locals and enjoying the strong community spirit that makes country shows such an important tradition. These events are a great opportunity to hear directly from people about the issues that matter most to them.

Meanwhile, Helen attended International Women’s Day events, celebrating the incredible achievements of women and the ongoing push for gender equality.

Listening to and understanding the concerns of local communities is what strong representation is all about. Thank you to everyone who took the time to stop and chat—we appreciate your insights, your stories, and your passion for the region.

Great to be Back in Lockhart

James had a fantastic time catching up with familiar faces and meeting new ones during his visit to Lockhart. With a longstanding family connection to the town, Lockhart holds a special place for James, making every visit a great opportunity to reconnect with the community.

Key discussions included medical access to Wagga, aged care, and local services, with locals raising the ongoing need for better regional healthcare and support for seniors. These are critical issues that deserve real advocacy at the federal level.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to stop for a chat—your insights and experiences are invaluable.

Engaging with the Murrumbateman Community

It was great to meet with the Murrumbateman Community Association, including Acting President Stephanie Helm, Bob Evans, and Annaliese Caston, to discuss key local issues and opportunities for the region.

From infrastructure to sustainability, it’s clear that the community is passionate about shaping a strong future for Murrumbateman. I appreciate the time and insights shared, and I look forward to continuing these important conversations.

Supporting Our Seniors at the SafeTea Morning Tea

On March 3, James, Helen and Sandra Gooden attended the SafeTea Morning Tea, marking the launch of Seniors Festival 2025 in Wagga Wagga. It was a great opportunity to connect with older community members and hear firsthand about the issues impacting their health, safety, and wellbeing.

The event brought together local representatives from NSW Legal Aid, Relationships Australia, the Australian Red Cross Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme, and NSW Police, providing valuable insights and support for older residents.

Ensuring that seniors in the Riverina have access to the services and support they need is essential for strong, inclusive communities. Thank you to everyone who came along and shared their thoughts!