While eight candidates had announced their campaigns earlier, four more candidates put their hats in the ring in the final few days in the lead-up to the close of nominations.
Mr Bonnefin, a father of two and business owner, says his decision to enter public life has been shaped by a long‑standing connection to regional Australia and a desire to contribute to the country his children will grow up in.
While he lives on the Central Coast now, Mr Bonnefin spent his early childhood years in Wilcannia, where his father worked.
He says those formative years gave him an enduring understanding of the challenges faced by country communities and the importance of ensuring their concerns are heard at a national level.
Outlining his motivation for contesting the seat, Mr Bonnefin said he wants to apply both creativity and leadership to deliver tangible outcomes for people and places, not just physical infrastructure.
“My roots are in the country and as a proud New South Welshman who has travelled extensively across our nation, I feel a deep connection to our land and its people,” he said.
“People First Party is about practical actions and outcomes that will deliver direct benefits and improve our quality of life on a daily basis.’’
Aimee Lee Pearson, Legalise Cannabis Party
Living and working in Farrer, Ms Pearson said she “sees, every day, where the system is falling short” and understands the pressures facing local communities.
Working in the world of healthcare and with a background in oncology, she is most concerned about the accessibility of care for residents.
“People shouldn’t have to wait months or travel long distances just to access basic healthcare,” she said.
Aside from healthcare, Ms Pearson is focusing on supporting local businesses, tackling housing pressures, improving infrastructure and services across border communities, fighting for fair water policies and fixing cannabis laws.
Roger Woodward, Independent
A chartered accountant based in Hornsby, Sydney, Mr Woodward is also a former volunteer firefighter, earning the National Emergency Medal, the NSW Premier’s Citation for the 2019-20 bushfires and the NSW RFS Long Service Medal.
He is campaigning for greater investment in regional services, including healthcare, schools and First Nations housing, alongside fuel subsidies, support for small business and tax incentives for primary producers.
Mr Woodward has also proposed wiping student debt, holding interest rates steady during the cost-of-living crisis, building a dam in Queensland to support regional NSW, and relocating to Albury if elected.
He said he would “like to continue to serve the community, but in a different capacity as your representative in the Federal Parliament”.
Peter Sinclair, Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party
The Riv reached out to Mr Sinclair but did not receive a response at the time of publication.
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