‘Democracy workshop’ for start-up political group Voices for Forrest

Residents are invited to take part in a speed dating event with a difference.

Political start-up Voices for Forrest is hosting a “grassroots democracy” workshop at the Margaret River Men’s Shed on May 16, described as “a heady mix of deep and meaningful conversations, hilarious quiz questions and lots of shuffling”.

Voices co-convenor Gita Sonnenberg told the Times the movement was inspired by the teal liberal phenomenon that upset Australian politics at the last Federal election.

The local movement was partly inspired by Simon Holmes a Court’s appearance at last year’s Margaret River Readers and Writers festival spruiking the benefit of independent political movements outside of the major party system.

Thursday’s Democracy Speed Dating event would run participants through a series of questions to spark conversations about democracy in the context of the Federal seat of Forrest.

Ms Sonnenberg said questions focused on what people valued from living in the region, identifying major issues and improving representation.

“Mixed with some fun quiz questions, nibbles and drinks, we want to make it easy for people to think about important topics,” she said.

Tickets are $10 with the event starting at 6pm.