A thriving region of opportunity

The Evelyn electorate is in a magnificent part of Victoria. The growing outer eastern suburbs of Mount Evelyn, Mooroolbark, Lilydale and Chirnside Park – where new homes are being built next to established ones – is home to commuters, tradies, small business owners and entrepreneurs, all who want to fulfil their dreams and provide the best for their children. In this area, over the forthcoming decade, we will see massive population growth, with around 10,000 new residents expected at just one location – the site of the Lilydale Quarry. This will present significant challenges to the existing infrastructure in the area, which is already struggling to keep pace with local congestion.

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Further east is the famous Yarra Valley, and in the communities of Wandin, Silvan, Seville, Gruyere, Coldstream and Yering, family farming businesses have flourished for generations to produce some of Victoria’s - indeed the world’s - finest fruit, vegetables, flowers and wine. Agribusinesses in the Yarra Valley have diversified and innovated, with many running successful tourism enterprises contributing significantly to our local economy, creating jobs, and competing successfully in export markets.

More than anything, what binds the people in Evelyn, from the suburbs to the farmlands, and from generation to generation, is aspiration and a deep sense of community.

The Wurundjeri people were first here, and their strong cultural heritage still enriches our community today. European pioneering families established themselves in the Yarra Valley from the 1830s pursuing gold, carving out productive agricultural lands and developing industries. Today, its young families renting but desperate to own their own home, or have purchased or built their first home, motivated to provide the best opportunities for their children. Older residents who have worked hard and made sacrifices, wanting comfort and security in retirement. Farmers and small business owners who are being innovative, taking risks and creating jobs.

Evelyn people are hardworking, thrifty, self-reliant and relish opportunity. They are aspirational. Bridget is determined to work hard for them and be their voice.