Fiona Mackenzie is the Federal Labor Candidate for Wannon.

I was born in Tassie and raised in Melbourne and have chosen to live in this most beautiful region of western Victoria.

My teaching career of forty years began in technical schools and included working as a Community Education Officer.  I have always believed in the importance of trades and apprenticeships.  To undertake the challenge I posed to Year 12 students - that 'You can do anything' - I resigned from teaching and became a sales rep in the metal industry, selling high-nickel alloys. As a student, I worked as a steward at the Naval & Military Club and a clerk within Bostik’s office.

After I had my daughter, I returned to teaching and spent twenty years at Melbourne Grammar School, where I wrote and produced the School Play. I am divorced and raised my daughter within my parents’ home in Bulleen, Melbourne.  During that time, working full-time as a teacher and a sole-parent, I also became my parents’ carer, looking after my mother for twenty years when she developed cancer.  I gained more understanding of the aged care system and, later, nursing homes. 

When bringing Melbourne students to camp at 'Kangaroobie', I realised that having a small place, including land and animals, in the Otways' hinterland, was possible.  I fulfilled my dream seven years ago.  I have taught in a number of areas: Preston, Coffs Harbour, Brunswick, Macleod, Lilydale and, finally Timboon, with its wonderful agricultural program.

I became more actively involved in politics when my daughter, as a young child, said to me that I could do something about climate change.  I believe that it is my duty to do what I can to make the world a better place.  My daughter, now an adult, is an artist and business owner.  I believe in the value of enterprise and hard work but also recognise that the mark of a good society is one which looks after others.  I have always been a unionist and want to see the best outcomes for the hardworking people of Wannon.

Now retired from teaching, I enjoy spending time with my dogs, including two Maremma puppies, cats, sheep, ducks, chooks and geese – and receiving the many visitors of friends and family.  I read works of anthropology and archaeology and am learning about the area in the company of locals involved in Landcare, the Historical Society and Field Naturalists. Although change is inevitable, I want to see the best for future generations.

My motto is: "It’s what we do next that counts."