Community
22 January, 2025
Dyson sets his sights on delivering for Cobden
INDEPENDENT candidate for Wannon Alex Dyson has erected a large billboard at one of Cobden’s busiest intersections, promising to bring a better deal for the town if he’s elected at this year’s Federal Election.
Mr Dyson said Cobden, the first town he visited during his 2019 election campaign, was the first town to get a crowdfunded billboard in a display of “the deep care he has for the Cobden community”.
“Three elections later, I’m still here and I’m still fighting for Cobden,” he said.
“This time I’ve installed a billboard on the corner of Cobden-Terang Road and Grayland Street - the first to go up in Wannon.
“It shows the growth in our people-powered campaign and that Cobden is key to winning this election.”
Mr Dyson said roads and their poor state was still the number one issue people raised with him wherever he travelled in the electorate, a sentiment which he felt held true in Cobden.
“Most roads in and out of Cobden are just terrible - our communities deserve better and concerns around road safety is a big issue,” he said.
“Our cars have to be roadworthy and so the roads should be car-worthy. With the rising cost of living people can’t afford this extra expense to fix their cars.
“There are 60- and 80-kilometre zones to warn drivers of dangerous road conditions but it’s just not good enough,” he said.
“My experience of Cobden is that it’s a friendly, proud and proactive community. People are willing to pitch in to make their town a great place to live and visit.”
Local Cobden volunteer Kat Bryan said she was excited to see a candidate finally prioritise the community.
“For too long our community’s been neglected by the major parties - the roads are a prime example,” she said.
“There are just too many accidents waiting to happen. I have to do a lot of driving to access services, so reducing the speed limit instead of fixing the roads means more time in the car, and less time with family and friends.
“The two-party system meant I always had to choose the least bad option, but now I have a good option with a real chance of winning.
“I’m volunteering because it’s time for change, and it’s fun. I love taking my dogs for a walk with their orange Alex Dyson bibs on, which spark conversation.
“Our community deserves a strong, independent MP who listens to locals, not lobbyists.”
Cobden resident Chelsea Hatherall said Mr Dyson’s dedication to Wannon’s future was clear.
“Over the years, he has consistently shown me that he has a genuine interest in listening to a broad range of people, understanding their needs, and advocating on their behalf,” she said.
“He has particularly demonstrated this commitment by paying attention to the needs of smaller communities like Cobden, which often get overlooked.
“He has worked tirelessly to ensure that the voices of these smaller towns are heard and that their concerns are never forgotten, proving that he truly values every corner of our electorate.”
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