When Francine sat down with the great Julia Zemiro, the conversation covered everything from stepping outside your comfort zone to the thrill of election night.

It was a full-circle moment for Francine, who started as a volunteer with Fairfax Matters. What began as letterbox drops and hosting a kitchen table conversation slowly evolved into something bigger. She never planned on running for office — but when the call went out for a local, values-driven independent to step up, Francine put her hand up.

Francine’s journey to becoming an Independent candidate wasn’t part of some long-term plan. She started out simply looking for people who shared her thoughts, hopes, and values.

“I was looking for a home that aligned with how I see the world,” she said. “None of the major political options ever felt right for me — but then I found Fairfax Matters. I found my people.”

To her surprise — and the delight of those who had worked alongside her — she was selected as the Independent candidate for Fairfax.

In her conversation with Julia, Francine reflected on the whirlwind of saying yes to something far outside her comfort zone, and why that’s often where the most important change begins.

They also shared a laugh over Francine’s favourite night of the year: election night. Forget the footy finals — for Francine, nothing beats the snacks, the stats, and the sense of democratic drama that comes with the big count.

Her journey from volunteer to candidate shows just how powerful grassroots movements can be when everyday people back each other to lead.

Have a listen here