The Kitchen Table Conversation report is informed by discussions with more than 360 people, focusing on election priorities and political representation.
Major themes raised by participants included healthcare, rising inequity, housing, the environment, water, climate change and education.
“Accessibility of healthcare is the most pressing issue mentioned across the whole electorate,” the report said.
“By far the greatest challenge faced, particularly outside of Shepparton, is the lack of GPs and the associated challenges placed on hospital emergency departments.”
Rising inequity, the second-most mentioned issue, encompasses cost-of-living, health, housing and education issues.
Members of the group’s executive team said this was a notable change over the past few years, as there was little talk of inequity in a similar report in 2022.
Challenges with inequity included the need for more family assistance with essentials, Indigenous recognition and reduced community cohesion.
“Housing supply is the next most pressing challenge, also raised across the whole of the electorate,” the report said.
An increase in affordable and social housing was called for, along with crisis accommodation as a major priority.
Homelessness was seen as a rising problem, particularly in Echuca and Seymour, although was identified as an electorate-wide problem.
Voices for Nicholls is a not-for-profit community group that aims to generate conversation around the electorate’s representation.
Its executive team is composed of residents with various professional backgrounds, including science, education and agronomy.
To read the full report, visit https://www.voicesfornicholls.com/news
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