But candidate for Murray Liam Davies claims his party is passionate about issues impacting everyone in the state — including right here in Moama.
‘‘Keep Sydney Open is a statewide party running on issues that affect everyone in the state, especially the young who feel ignored by the major parties,’’ he said.
Hailing from Hay, NSW, Liam is vice chairperson of the Rainbow On the Plains festival — this region’s answer to Sydney’s Mardi Gras.
‘‘I have experienced first hand how beneficial revitalising cultural events, fun and openness can be for our community here in regional NSW,’’ he said.
‘‘The Liberals and Nationals are just party poopers who want to shut everything down, as has been demonstrated by their lockouts and war on festivals.
‘‘They’re happy to crush small businesses, while looking after their mates in the big end of town. Keep Sydney Open wants to revitalise small businesses by taking the shackles off.’’
Liam said he was also passionate about LGBTQI+ inclusion and belonging, and mental health for regional Australians — which he said were core principles of Keep Sydney Open.
‘‘I really feel regional NSW has an attitude of hope for a brighter, more diverse, more resilient and more colourful future,’’ he said.
‘‘I’ve lived in Hay almost my whole and have experienced homophobia first-hand.
‘‘I’ve always been passionate about my regional community and I’m determined to help regional NSW grow.
‘‘I have also taken the initiative to create an organisation known as Pride Active to help tackle LGBTIQ+ concerns and social disconnect within regional Australia.
‘‘The network-based platform is solely intent on creating local LGBTQI+ leaders and working to provide solutions for their varying local issues.’’
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