Now, as a prospective independent candidate for the seat of Mallee in the upcoming federal election, she faces her toughest fight yet.
Bordering on NSW west of the Murray, the division of Mallee is Victoria’s largest.
The seat was first formed following a redistribution in 1949, and 73 years later the Mallee electorate has only been represented by one party — The Nationals.
‘‘And look where that’s gotten us,’’ said Ms Baldwin.
‘‘Look at where we are now: Under the Nationals Mallee has had no investment, no services, and no voice.’’
Though her slogan reads ‘a voice for you’, Ms Baldwin is tired of empty words.
Instead, she has promised the electorate open ears and an open mind.
‘‘People are sick of the party politics, they’re sick of being taken for granted,’’ she said.
‘‘All they want is someone to sit down and listen, really listen, to their problems.
‘‘Community has the solution, they always have.
‘‘Mallee needs a champion, someone not only willing to listen; but strong enough to tirelessly advocate on its behalf.
‘‘I won’t have all the answers; but many of those in Mallee will; and those voices must be heard.’’
Ms Baldwin was raised in Cohuna, a small town with a population of about 2500 on the Gunbower Creek, and known for a strong dairy industry.
A graduate of Cohuna Secondary College, Ms Baldwin would later take on the family dairy farm — milking a herd of 300.
She remained on the farm for the next 24 years, until its sale in 2015.
Having pursued journalism nine years earlier, Ms Baldwin continued proudly telling the stories of rural and regional Australians until being appointed CEO of SRI in 2020. It represents more than 2000 landholders in the Southern Riverina and Ms Baldwin confirmed she would take leave from the position once the election is called.
‘‘As a candidate I will uphold the same principles and values as I have while at SRI,’’ she said.
Ms Baldwin intends to pursue several policies related to SRI’s ongoing advocacy including the introduction of a transparent water register, accurate measuring and metering of river flow, and the eventual introduction of a floodplain harvesting licensing scheme.
Far from a single-issue candidate, Ms Baldwin also flagged her intention to pursue fairer council rates, further regional investment, and address shortages in critical infrastructure.
You can find out more about Ms Baldwin and her campaign at https://www.sophiebaldwin.com.au.
