Geraldton-born Malgana woman Bianca McNeair announced as Durack candidate for Greens

A Mid West environmental advocate with a passion for Aboriginal representation in leadership roles has been selected as the Greens’ candidate for Durack in the upcoming Federal election.

Geraldton-born Malgana woman Bianca McNeair announced on Friday she would contest the seat, which has been held by the Liberals’ Melissa Price since 2013.

Ms McNeair has strong family ties to Gutharagudu (Shark Bay), where she was devastated to witness the loss of much of the native seagrass stock following heatwaves in 2011.

Motivated to help restore and preserve precious natural resources, Ms McNeair said she then helped facilitate collaboration between traditional owners and climate scientists.

“Aboriginal communities have had our own land and sea management processes for generations, otherwise known as caring for country,” she said.

“I became a link between the scientists, traditional owners and local community to co-design restoration projects, which increased the success of the on-country projects.

“Caring for country is about looking after the land, sea and those who live on it.”

Ms McNeair said she hoped to raise further awareness about climate issues affecting regional WA in the lead-up to the election.

“The two major parties have failed to care for our land and seas, especially in the regions, where our communities are often left feeling the impact the most,” she said.

She said she would also be “fighting against inequality” and fighting for “the representation of Aboriginal women and girls in politics and leadership”.

Greens Senator for WA Dorinda Cox said Ms McNeair would be an invaluable advocate for her community if elected.

“I am so proud to stand together with another strong First Nations woman to raise the voices of our people, our children and our country,” she said.

“This strong, proud Malgana woman, Bianca McNeair, has deep connections to this land and her voice in the Federal Parliament would protect our lands and seas for generations to come.”