Sophie is the former Mayor of Boroondara who is challenging Liberal leader Jess Wilson in Kew. Sophie’s wide-ranging track record of driving impact includes chairing the Accountability Round Table, founding and leading businesses and helping save the historic Kew Library from demolition.

In 2022, after an 87 day campaign, Sophie came within striking distance of winning Kew as an independent. In 2026, the community has come out in force, building a formidable campaign behind Sophie and her commitment to integrity, meaningful climate action and independent representation accountable to Kew.

Shima Ibuki is running against former Liberal leader John Pesutto in Hawthorn. As a councillor and now Deputy Mayor of Boroondara, she’s been directly involved in making decisions, solving local issues, and delivering outcomes that matter. That experience has reinforced something simple — people want practical results, not politics.

Right now, at the state level, Hawthorn isn’t getting that. The current government has struggled to deal with key challenges like housing, cost of living, and economic management, while trust in decision-making continues to decline. Hawthorn needs a representative who is focused on our community, not bound by party lines, or beholden to a political faction, or vested interests. That’s why she’s running.

Melissa is a former public school teacher and local business owner challenging Liberal MP Chris Crewther in Mornington. Melissa founded Red Gum BBQ in Red Hill - Australia's first B Corp certified restaurant - and Southern Family Foods in Seaford. She is the Founder and Chair of Women in Business Mornington Peninsula & Frankston whose member businesses prioritise social and environmental impact and contribute a combined $64.6 million to the local economy.

Melissa brings proven business credentials and economic acumen alongside progressive values - a candidate built for this moment.

Jess is a lawyer and human rights advocate raising her three daughters in Yarraville. She has spent her career solving complex problems and standing up for communities with work in the public service, the United Nations and community organisations like the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. Jess’ focus is on cleaner air, planning that puts communities first, and a stronger voice for the families and businesses of Melbourne’s multicultural Inner West. She’s standing as a community independent not because she thinks politicians have all the answers, but because she thinks communities often do. Jess is running against Labor’s Katie Hall in Footscray.