The 13 September Kiama by-election is a milestone in more ways than one. For the first time, every candidate is a woman: Kate Dezarnaulds (Independent), Tonia Gray (Greens), Katelin McInerney (Labor), and Serena Copley (Liberal). Between them, they bring decades of professional, community, and political experience, and, I hope, a willingness to run campaigns focused on what they will do for the community, rather than tearing each other down.
Kate Dezarnaulds – Independent
Berry-based businesswoman and community advocate Kate is running on a platform of independent leadership free from party agendas. Her focus is on:
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Affordable housing – promoting build-to-rent models to ease rental pressures and improve housing availability.
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Healthcare access – better local health services and specialist care.
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Climate action – strong environmental protections and disaster preparedness.
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Infrastructure and transparency – advocating for infrastructure that supports sustainable growth and more open local decision-making.
Tonia Gray – Greens
Tonia, also from Berry, is a former Shoalhaven councillor and educator who champions:
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Climate justice – a rapid shift to renewables, ideally under public ownership.
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Public services – increased funding for hospitals, schools, housing, and public transport.
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Environmental protection – safeguarding farmland, ecosystems, and supporting agritourism.
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Political integrity – ending “dirty donations” and embedding transparency, alongside meaningful work with First Nations communities.
Katelin McInerney – Labor
When Premier Chris Minns announced Katelin’s candidacy, he described her as “very kind” and having “a big heart.” While kindness is valuable in politics, it’s hard to imagine a male colleague being introduced in quite the same terms. Katelin is returning for a second tilt at the seat after losing to Gareth Ward in 2023. Her platform includes:
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Housing and cost of living – boosting housing supply, supporting renters, and maintaining local cost-of-living relief measures.
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Health and education – strengthening public health services in Kiama and improving access to specialist care; investment in schools and training pathways.
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Transport and infrastructure – improving rail reliability and road safety upgrades.
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Community engagement – respectful, community-first representation that prioritises listening to constituents.
Serena Copley – Liberal
Shoalhaven local and former councillor Serena is framing the by-election as a verdict on Labor’s record, asking voters if they feel better off after two years under the current government. She is campaigning for:
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Infrastructure investment – building on the Liberals’ delivery of Kiama’s ambulance station, integrated health centre, and major hospital redevelopments; pushing for faster project delivery.
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Cost-of-living relief – restoring Active Kids and Back to School vouchers, reinstating the Seniors Regional Travel Card.
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Transport and health – reversing what she describes as Labor’s cuts to health funding, making train services faster and more reliable.
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Economic management – strong fiscal discipline to support local jobs and maintain the South Coast’s lifestyle.
Why This Race Matters
This by-election is a rare chance for Kiama voters to compare four distinct visions for the region’s future. The choice is not just about personalities but about values, whether we want leadership that puts community before party, accelerates climate and housing reforms, doubles down on public service delivery, or promises a return to a more traditional infrastructure-first agenda.
The Premier’s framing of Katelin’s candidacy and Serena’s sharp critique of Labor both hint at the tone of the campaign ahead. My hope is that the focus stays on ideas, not insults. Kiama deserves candidates who will make their case on substance, vision, and respect for the people they seek to represent.
#KiamaByElection2025 #KateDezarnaulds #ToniaGray
#KatelinMcInerney #SerenaCopley #KiamaVotes
#WomenInPolitics #CommunityFirst