A Leader for Communities, Families, and the Future

Kate Hook’s Vision for a Thriving Calare

Kate Hook understands the daily juggle of life. As a mother of four, a small business owner, and an advocate for stronger regional communities, she knows the challenges people face—balancing careers, raising families, and ensuring their communities are safe and prosperous. 

Her LinkedIn bio reflects her passions: Community Engagement Manager, Renewable Energy Advocate, Climate Action Leader, Regenerative Small-Farmer, Regional Economic Diversification Champion, and Circular Economy Enthusiast. Kate is running for parliament to ensure the voices of regional communities, families, and individuals are heard in Canberra.

From Wagga Wagga to Orange: A Commitment to Community

Kate’s journey began in Wagga Wagga before she moved to Sydney to complete a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of NSW, majoring in two disciplines. Kate worked in a national role for a start-up business establishing recruitment agencies in 10 locations around Australia and later was Human Resources Manager at Freehills law firm in Sydney.  She gained invaluable life experience living in various European countries before returning to Sydney, starting a family, and later settling in Orange. She understands the importance of strong local economies, education, healthcare, and community support networks. Kate balanced supporting her family business with launching her own venture - a luxury electric vehicle transport service - bringing innovation to the region while actively engaging with her local community.

The Path to Politics: Fighting for Fairness

Politics wasn’t always part of Kate’s plan, but when she saw repeated failures in planning for the regional economy’s future and the climate challenges ahead, she asked herself the same question many people ask every day: Who are the political parties actually working for? 

That question led her to co-found Voices 4 Calare, a grassroots movement designed to amplify the voices of local residents, especially those often overlooked in policy-making. Through Kitchen Table Conversations, a process that brings small groups together for meaningful discussions, Kate saw firsthand the issues that mattered most to individuals, families, and businesses in Calare.

Kate’s decision to run in 2022 was not just about politics—it was about people. Running as a community independent, she rallied hundreds of volunteers and donors, securing an impressive second-place finish. Rather than being discouraged, she saw it as just the beginning. Now, in 2025, she’s back - stronger, more experienced, and with even greater community support.

Integrity and Transparency in Politics

Kate believes that communities deserve leaders who listen, respect, and represent them honestly. She stands for integrity, accountability, and respect, rejecting misinformation and personal attacks, and instead  prioritising informed, rational discussions. Her vision for Calare is one where politicians truly listen to their communities, free from party constraints. When elected, she will continue using Kitchen Table Conversations to ensure people’s voices remain at the heart of decision-making in Canberra and wants to enable volunteers to continue working with her both in the electorate and in Canberra.

Key Issues for the 2025 Election

This election will be shaped by issues that directly affect families, businesses, and communities in Calare:

• Cost of Living & Housing Affordability
  Kate champions permanent cost of living solutions, not temporary fixes, ensuring families can thrive in regional areas without financial stress, including better support for individuals and businesses.
• Healthcare & Aged Care
  Fighting for improved access to quality healthcare, mental health services, and better aged care for aging parents.
• Education & Workforce Development
  Advocating for better education resources, training programs, and job opportunities in regional areas.
• Energy & Fuel Prices
  Ensuring fair, sustainable energy solutions that benefit communities while supporting economic transition and local industries, attracting new opportunities, taking real action on climate and building community resilience.

With Calare being one of the top two electorates in Australia set to benefit from renewable energy advancements, Kate is determined to ensure that families, businesses, and local communities are part of the decision-making process.

A Community-First Approach

Kate knows that regional Australians are problem-solvers. They balance work, family, and community commitments while driving change in their local areas. She doesn’t claim to have all the answers, but she believes in listening to those who do. She uses evidence-based decision-making, consulting experts in various fields to ensure policies are backed by the best available research. Most importantly, she answers to no political party—only to the people of Calare.

This includes the younger generation, who have been overlooked for far too long. “Young people need to have a say in the future they will inherit,” Kate says. “The decisions made in parliament today will shape our country for decades. We must consider their impact on future generations.”

Meet Kate on the Road: Connecting with Communities Across Calare

As part of her campaign, Kate will be travelling across the vast electorate of Calare (which, fun fact, is slightly larger than Belgium). She is eager to meet individuals, families, business owners, and local leaders to understand their concerns and work together towards a brighter future.

Kate Hook isn’t just running for parliament. She’s running for families, communities, and a stronger, future-ready, more connected Calare. Real change, powered by community voices.

Learn more at katehook.com.au