Kate Lockhart has been selected as the Voices of Corangamite Community Independent candidate for the Bellarine, Surf Coast, and Geelong electorate in this autumn’s Federal Election.
• Come and meet Kate at the International Women's Day ceremony organised by the City of Greater Geelong with its annual Women in Community Life awards at Geelong Arts Centre from 5.30pm today, Wednesday 5 March.
• We will meet face-to-face on Friday 14 March at 5:30pm at The Dill, (5/62 The Terrace), in Ocean Grove. RSVP with an email.
Kate will also be attending the following events in the next days:
• Monica Hayes Award for North Bellarine women at Scotchmans Hill tomorrow Thursday 6 March at 2:30pm-4:30pm
• St Leonards Community Care at St Leonards Memorial Hall on Friday 7 March at 10am.
• Bellarine Agricultural Show on Sunday 9 March.
We are looking forward to a group photo shoot soon. Details to follow.
MEDIA RELEASE
Kate Lockhart:
A Voice for Corangamite
Agricultural scientist Kate Lockhart has been selected as the Voices of Corangamite Community Independent candidate for the Bellarine, Surf Coast, and Geelong electorate in this autumn’s Federal Election.
Kate’s roots in regional Australia run deep. She spent her summers working on her family farm in central Victoria, driving a dusty harvester to help fund her university studies. Today, she balances a career with raising two daughters, while her son pursues a teaching degree at Deakin University.
With a diverse professional background, Kate has lived and worked in China, Thailand, and Europe, gaining a global perspective. Yet, she remains deeply committed to the Australian way of life – one where access to education and healthcare ensures opportunity for all.
“We must stand by our communities in times of hardship and crisis,” says Kate.
“I will fight for real cost-of-living relief and make secure housing a priority. My pledge to voters is clear: I will listen, work hard, and focus on what matters most.”
Kate has spent years advocating for better services and infrastructure, actively engaging in local community groups. Now, she wants to bring that same dedication to Canberra as the next Member for Corangamite.
Kate is passionate about gender equality – frequently leading community grant applications and implementing projects that create opportunities for women and girls. She recently completed a 12-month fellowship on women in leadership and local governance and is ready to apply her expertise and life experience in Parliament.
“The Community Independents movement is built on action – on climate, gender equity, integrity, and transparency. These values are what I have worked for my entire life. I want to bring real, practical leadership to Corangamite that aligns with these principles,” Kate says.
Commitment recognised
Kate moved to the Bellarine almost 20 years ago to settle, reconnect with regional communities, and raise her family. She directly experienced the transition of Bellarine’s economy after Alcoa’s closure 11 years ago, as the region adapted from heavy industry to a growing network of small businesses in construction, health, and education.
She is acutely aware of the growing pains caused by rising populations and lagging infrastructure, particularly in public transport.
As a volunteer, Kate has dedicated her life to community service – from supporting local sports clubs to working with villagers on sustainable food solutions. Her commitment was recognised with the City of Greater Geelong Women in Community Life Award for Climate Action in 2023.
Closer to home, she actively contributes to Bellarine Landcare, Drysdale Soccer Club, and Peninsula Sharks Football Club, while also playing tennis for Ocean Grove. She remains deeply involved in her daughters’ education, serving on their school councils, while also supporting her very independent mother and her connection to local services.
Kate Lockhart embodies dedication, service, and a commitment to building a better and more sustainable future for Corangamite.