SINCE 2002, Wendy Lovell has represented the region in the Victorian Parliament as a member of the Liberal Party.
We spoke with her about her life before politics, her drive to advocate for the region, and her vision for local women.
What made you want to get into politics?
I’ve always had a great interest in politics since high school, but I never thought I’d become a member of Parliament. I did a lot of volunteer work for Sharman Stone (former Federal Member for Murray) and supported local projects, but it was when the National Party walked away from the coalition in 2000 that the seat opened up and I decided to run. I was running a small business and understood how decisions made in Spring Street could impact us on a grassroots level. People started saying I should run, and I thought, ‘If I want to make a difference and create sensible policies, I should put my hand up.’
Tell me about your life and what you were doing prior to politics?
Before politics, I was involved in our family’s newsagency business, which has been in Shepparton for over 50 years and is still run by my brother and sister today. I planned to take a gap year and work in the business, but my dad said I’d never go back [to study], and he was right. He made me go to night school and study part-time at TAFE in Shepparton. I got very involved with the family business, and it was a very big business at the time, so it kept me very busy and gave me the opportunity to be more embedded in our community.
I was also involved in the community through fundraising and local projects, particularly through Rotaract and Friends of the Hospital. I took part in the Goulburn Murray Community Leadership program, which gave me a platform to advocate for the community. It was this advocacy work that helped me transition into politics.
Since being elected, what are some achievements you are particularly proud of?
I’m particularly proud of the Education First Youth Foyer Program, which I wrote the policy for. It’s helped young people who were disconnected from education by providing them with subsidised accommodation in exchange for participation in education or work. I’ve seen many of them go on to buy their own homes, which is incredibly rewarding. I’ve also worked on projects like securing funding for the new Bendigo and Shepparton hospitals and getting radiotherapy services here, so people no longer have to travel for treatment.
What is your vision for women of the Goulburn Valley?
Women in the Goulburn Valley are incredibly strong and resilient, and we see that reflected in our community’s support for female leaders. We’ve had women in key political roles, including Sharman Stone, Jeanette Powell, Suzanna Sheed, Kim O’Keeffe and myself. I want to see women continue to take on leadership roles, whether in politics, business, or other fields.
What advice would you give young women aspiring to start their own business or enter politics or some other leadership role?
I’d tell them to reach for the stars—nothing is stopping them from achieving their goals. It takes hard work, but it’s the effort you put in that gets rewarded. I’d also encourage them to find a mentor in their field who can guide them along the way. And remember, it’s important to support other women, not compete with them. Together, we can achieve great things.
