About us

Together for Riverina exists to make democracy something everyone can reach, shape, and feel part of.

We are a small, determined, entirely volunteer-run community organisation. We are everyday people who care deeply about how our region is represented. And for the record: we’re not aligned with any political party.

With Riverina boundaries stretching across the Snowy Valleys, Yass Valley, Boorowa and Upper Lachlan, our communities find themselves needing to be linked in new ways. So we’ve come together across postcodes, paddocks and priorities to look toward fresh, future-focused representation for the Riverina.

Our work builds on the wisdom shared in Kitchen Table Conversations held in the Riverina and Yass during 2020–2021. Sure, the world has shifted since then, but the major parties haven’t. Community independents have shown what genuine, grounded representation can look like, and we believe it’s time the Riverina had that same independent voice: local, accountable, and powered by community, not party lines.

Together, we’re shaping what comes next.

Our Vision  

A Riverina community engaged in vibrant democratic conversations that allow everyone to be heard.

Our Purpose 

To enable the voices of the people of Riverina to influence policy.

Our Values 

  • Respect - for each other at all times

  • Integrity - trust, honesty, evidence based, good governance

  • Inclusivity - welcoming views and contributions from all 

  • Constructiveness - making positive contributions

  • Transparency - openness and accountability

Who are we

  • James Tonson

    COOTAMUNDRA

    James believes that good decisions arise from good processes that allow all voices to be heard. This requires us all to speak up, and to listen. Working together, we have the capacity to face up to, and address the challenges in front of us.  

    James trained as a facilitator and has spent over 20 years helping groups work together to achieve their vision. He has helped to establish collaborative decision-making processes in the youth, education, environment and local government sectors. His passions led to him helping to start Voices4Cowper when he lived in Coffs Harbour and he’s excited to find a group of like-minded people here in Riverina.  

    James is now a proud dad living in Cootamundra, where he enjoys the benefits of living in a small community, bushwalking and being able to grow a few veggies.  

  • Fran Trench

    WAGGA WAGGA

    Fran came to Wagga Wagga in the late 1950s when her father came to work for the Agricultural Research Institute. Since its inception in July 2017, Fran has been Executive Officer of the Riverina Regional Training Hub, a Commonwealth program to encourage rural and regional medical study, training and careers.

    She has significant experience in medical education and training and has been involved in supporting medical students, junior doctors and their teachers and mentors since 2002. Fran was Wagga Wagga’s first female President of the Wagga Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the foundation President of the Wagga Wagga Women in Business.

    She continues to be a passionate advocate for services and opportunities for the Riverina Murrumbidgee region and not only in rural health.

  • Alex Tewes

    YASS

    Alex has lived in the Yass Valley for over twenty years.  He was born in Argentina and migrated to Australia in 1973. He has been married to Jacquie for forty years and has three daughters and three granddaughters.

    His background is in policy, strategy and planning. In recent years he has focused on working with not-for profits, particularly in the aged care and health portfolios, assisting them with policy, advocacy, and political engagement. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, (commonly known as the RSA)

    Alex has worked in two previous independent campaigns and is committed to working at the local level to ensure that his children and grandchildren have a sustainable future.

    In his spare time, he is a broadcaster with YassFM, plays electric guitar, manages his beehives, makes cheese, and bakes bread.