Around 100 people joined Nathan Barton to launch his independent campaign for Moore at Forrest Park in Padbury on Saturday 25 January 2025. 

The drizzle did not deter the enthusiastic crowd who came to mark the launch of Nathan's campaign, and to hear Nathan speak on his motivation for running as an independent candidate for Moore.

Voices of Moore member Shannon Ziegelaar began the event by welcoming everyone and providing an Acknowledgement of Country. She talked about the community listening process that the group undertook in 2024, leading to a candidate search and then to selecting Nathan as Voices of Moore's endorsed community candidate.

Nathan's friend and former colleague Cherie followed, sharing with the group her experiences working together with Nathan as graduate psychologists nearly two decades ago, and how she believed his personal attributes made him an ideal candidate.

Nathan then took the stage to introduce himself to the group, and share his motivations for running as an independent. He spoke of growing up in Perth's northern suburbs, and the desire to serve that led him to join the Army Reserves 22 years ago. He shared how his work as a psychologist made clear to him the issues that people face on a daily basis in our community.

"Today, as a psychologist and business owner, I see first hand how decisions made in Canberra ripple through our community. I see families struggling with rising costs while working harder than ever. Being forced to delay treatment that they previously could afford.  I see veterans struggling to find their place after serving their country. I see young people locked out of the housing market, and small business owners being squeezed by rising costs."

Nathan also talked about the importance of community across Moore, a sentiment that was clear from the community listening process.

"But I also see something else. I see all of you, a community that cares deeply about each other, about the environment and about our collective future together. From Trigg to Iluka, I see people who aren't interested in left versus right - they're interested in doing right, doing right by their families, helping where they can, and leaving things better for future generations.  Living in Padbury, I see this each day with local groups feeling pride in our suburb and making their patch of the world better for their neighbours."

The audience responded enthusiastically to Nathan's commitments to:

• Fight for real action on cost of living that helps regular families and local businesses get ahead, not just major corporations.
• Support meaningful climate action and an energy future that makes sense for WA.
• Work to improve mental health support that works for everyone, to improve systems and increase prevention measures, especially for our men and young people.
• Back smart development that protects what makes Moore so special while we grow our community and increase our connectedness.
• Fight for integrity in our political system and government services.

Nathan ended with a call to show the major parties that Moore expects more.

"By showing up today, you've already taken the first step towards bringing real change for Moore. You’re telling the major parties – we won’t be taken for granted.  We will be heard.  And together, we will build something special - representation that truly puts people before parties."

There was a strong feeling of excitement in the room following Nathan's speech as campaign Volunteer Manager, Carolyn Wilson spoke next on how people could get involved as volunteers in the campaign, leading many people to sign up and buy campaign t-shirts.

This was followed by a group photo and an opportunity to speak with Nathan individually. Many people commented afterwards of the hope that they felt after hearing from Nathan in having a candidate inspired to run by the opportunity to serve and represent the community at a grassroots level. 

If you would like to find out more or get involved as a volunteer, please register your interest here.