"I try to vote now because people say it's worthwhile": A Port Fairy local on political apathy and hometown changes

In the third of our series across the Western Districts, we speak to a tattoo artist about community changes in Port Fairy and his scepticism about political engagement.

David Allegretti
March 25, 2025

As the race for Wannon at the forthcoming federal election intensifies, we're travelling to the pubs and gathering places that form the beating heart of local communities, speaking with locals about their political choices, the values guiding their decisions and how their perspectives have evolved over time.

Today, we're sharing a pint in Warrnambool with 30-year-old Dan, a tattoo shop owner and artist who grew up in Port Fairy.

"Both parties have ignored Warrnambool for a long time": A local on why he's voting differently this election

In the first of our multi-part series across the Western Districts, we speak to a 68-year-old Warrnambool retiree about how he's voting and what he cares about.

West Vic Brolga: Tell me about growing up in Port Fairy. How long were you there? Have you moved around at all?

Dan: I’ve been in the area most of my life, I'd say. Moved overseas a bunch and travelled around, then came back around the COVID time.

What was Port Fairy like when you were a kid?

Oh, it was way better. It was awesome. Yeah. It was a great place. It still is a great place, it's just changed a lot.

What's changed about it?

Mainly affordability and things like that for people; and becoming less community-driven as things go on. Less locals, more people from out of town, just holiday homes and overpriced stuff like that.

As we get closer to the federal election, what do you think politicians are getting wrong?

I'm probably not the best to weigh in on that. I don't really know much about politics or what's really changing for us. I just sort of wake up and go to work and hope for the best, you know? I'm pretty removed from politics.

Do you vote or just cop the fine?

I try to vote now because people say it's worthwhile, but I really don't know how much pull voting has, or if they just pick the person they want at the end of the day. Usually just a grey lead pencil, tick the box sort of thing. I don't know if it actually goes anywhere. If somebody's got good policy or is trying to make positive change that'll help people in the area, that'd be the best thing. So I'll vote for that.

"Who couch surfs at 61 years old?": An Allansford-born cafe worker on the housing crisis and feeling forgotten by politicians

In the second of our multi-part series across the Western Districts, we speak to a 61-year-old Warrnambool local about regional housing shortages and small towns feeling ignored during elections.

Do you know much about anyone running here locally?

Yeah, I went to school with Alex Dyson back in Port Fairy. Don't know a hell of a lot about him. I know he is definitely out there trying to make some changes. I don't know if that'll be super receptive to a lot of people, but at least he's in there having a shot.

What would make you more engaged in the political process?

I think if more locals and everybody in the area got to weigh in on decision-making and things like that, rather than just one person, because entrusting one person isn't really the best thing for everybody, I’d say. That'd be my vote. Yeah. It is a democracy after all, right?

_{This interview is part of a series speaking with locals from Victoria's Western District about where they live, what they care about, and what they think of the upcoming federal election.}

Who are the candidates in this year's federal election across Victoria's Western District?

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