Where the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung people are recognised as the traditional owners and reconciliation is a reality.

Where we’re proud to be doing our bit to welcome people seeking asylum, and honouring our obligations under the UN Refugee Convention.

Where traditional owners, descendants of European and Chinese gold miners and more recent arrivals from exotic places create a rich cultural tapestry, each taking pride in their own traditions while respecting and appreciating each other’s.

Where the new Centre for Sustainable Agriculture provides practical support for farmers to develop new techniques and income streams so their farms remain profitable in a changing climate.

Where our forest and river ecosystems are protected and support abundant wildlife and are a joy to visit.

Where visitors love to come and immerse themselves in nature as part of their amazingly varied Bendigo experience, bike riding, catching shows, visiting the Art Gallery and enjoying fine wine and dining.

The government is boosting regional tourism as part of the sustainable economy these days.

Thanks to the Greens, the region is now powered by abundant cheap, renewable energy.

Clean electricity from the sun and wind, plus whatever exciting new energy source is just around the corner, fulfills all our domestic, industrial and transport needs and is also sold onto the grid.

All schools, households, businesses and farms have installed rooftop solar because there’s no upfront cost and solar is saving them money.

We are well served by buses and trains powered by clean electricity.

Students at the local, well-resourced, free TAFE learn to service our clean energy infrastructure and manufacture it for sale elsewhere.

In fact all public education, including university, is world-class, free and funded according to need because our leaders understand the importance of an educated population.

They also understand that universal health care is a basic right in a decent society so the hospitals and front–line health, including mental health, are well funded and resourced and, again, completely free.

Luckily, the government has tightened tax rules so we no longer waste billions subsidising the fossil fuel industry, multinational corporations and the mega rich.

Now we’re in a position to provide basic services that allow everyone to live in dignity because our Greens decision makers have the courage and the vision to lead us into a prosperous, clean, hopeful future.

- Rosemary Glaisher

The Bendigo Advertiser has this week featured the vision of each of the candidates for the Federal seat of Bendigo. Each was given the same space to share their views. 

The eight submissions are online at www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au