Jessie began her career as a journalist in Southeast Asia before becoming a midwife – she says the common thread in the two careers is connecting with people in the midst of the profound and mucky and real life, and caring deeply that people get justice and the best outcomes.

The same motivations led her to become the community independent candidate for the Federal electorate of Bean in the ACT - an electorate that made the news early on election night for a surprise swing against Labor in what had been a very safe seat. It went down to the wire over a week and a half of close counting to become the most marginal Labor seat in Australia.

This was a grassroots, low-cost, people-powered campaign. Jessie and the Bean community independent movement are now planning for 2028 and the next three years of community building and advocacy.  

Join us for this fantastic opportunity to enjoy a fabulous Darwin sunset while Jessie shares her insights and experiences.