2025-05-29
people powered movement
Q&A with Kiri, Chris and Varsha
Our Greens movement is powered by tens of thousands of volunteers across the country — and without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Every single person who contributed to this campaign helped breathe hope and life into politics, and build something bigger than any one election. In this issue, we speak to three of them — Kiri, Chris and Varsha — about their experiences on the federal campaign trail.
Name: Kiri
Pronouns: She/her
Which campaign did you volunteer on? I actually volunteered on two campaigns - Melbourne and Wills - because whilst my own electorate changed with the re-distribution both areas are really important to me.
What was it like to campaign during the election? It was an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable experience. I learnt a lot from the organisers, fellow volunteers, and the many people I got to chat with after knocking on their doors.
How are you feeling post election? I’m feeling quite inspired and motivated for future involvement and campaigning with the Greens. Whilst the outcome wasn’t what we hoped for I think we should all feel proud of the impact of the campaign, particularly in Wills, and I am grateful to be part of such a wonderful community.
What gives you hope and what are you looking forward to with the Greens next? Definitely the primary vote in Melbourne and the swing in Wills, not to mention Australia’s resounding rejection of Dutton and of divisive and harmful right wing ideology. I’m ready to bring the lessons I’ve learnt and the determination I’ve developed with me to the state campaign very soon!
Name: Chris
Pronouns: he/him
Which campaign did you volunteer on? Katie McCusker for Sturt
What was it like to campaign during the election? The camaraderie of the volunteers was electrifying, and the organisers did a stellar job with making sure our campaign kicked all the goals we wanted to.
How are you feeling post election? Hopeful for the future, and grateful to now be a part of a fantastic (Greens) community.
While it wasn’t the outcome we desired for our campaign, there are plenty of silver linings in the data for us.
What gives you hope and what are you looking forward to with the Greens next? I’m hopeful because it’s clear the country overwhelmingly rejected Trumpism. We’re lucky enough to roll straight into a state campaign, so I’m happy that we can put into action what we know worked on the federal campaign, while we have all that momentum behind us.
Name: Varsha
Pronouns: She/her
Campaign: Hannah Thomas for Grayndler
What was it like to campaign during the election? As worried as so many of us were about what the future could hold, campaigning felt empowering and reminded me that of course there are people fighting for the exact same things as you and we’ll do what we can and make the best of what happens
How are you feeling post election? I am feeling a mix of emotions, happy we kept Dutton out but disappointed we didn’t have a much greater push for genuine progress and change. I am grateful The Greens still have balance of power in the senate and hoping that drives change.
What gives you hope and what are you looking forward to next? The grassroots communities that exist and that there are so many folks out there who push me to do better gives me hope. I’m looking forward to seeing the Greens use the post election momentum to push for change and hoping we can build to the next election from now instead of the three year lull that usually sets in with most people.