NEW SOUTH WALES
Jamie Bonnefin
Farrer Candidate
THE SOLUTIONS FOR TODAY AND THE VISION FOR TOMORROW
Hi, I’m Jamie Bonnefin and am proud to stand as the candidate for the People First Party in the Farrer by-election because as a father, small business owner and someone who has been a leader of community organisations I believe I can make a difference and I have been inspired by leaders like Henry Parkes and Gerard Rennick to step into public life.
I was born in Newcastle, the eldest of three boys to a teacher and a registered nurse.
We spent my early years in Wilcannia where Dad worked so my roots are in the country, and I understand the importance of bringing the concerns of country people to the city.
I am currently living on the Central Coast with my wife Ilvy and my sons, Knox, 10 and Riven 4, but I look forward to returning to the bush and representing all the people of Farrer, to my fullest ability if I am elected.
I believe that when pressure rises and the stakes are real, clarity matters more than slogans.
Fatherhood has shifted my focus from short-term thinking to long term responsibility. I’ve started asking different questions. Not just about what works today, but what kind of country will my sons grow up in? This is a huge driver for me. I realise that entering politics is a significant commitment, not just for me, but also for my wife Ilvy and our sons.
For 16 years, Ilvy and I have worked as a team.
Ilvy says, “From our family’s perspective, this decision has been about stepping into something bigger than ourselves. It is not always comfortable, and it does ask a lot from family life but there is also a strong sense that this is the right time to contribute in a more meaningful way. We are approaching this as a family with young children. Grounded, realistic, and aware of what matters day to day for people.
That perspective stays very close to everything Jamie does.”
As a lifelong student of leadership principles, I also run the Australian Leadership Company, where I work with others who carry responsibility in business, public life and the community to strengthen their ability to think clearly, act responsibly and hold steady when it counts. I believe that when pressure rises and the stakes are real, clarity matters more than slogans.
I want to serve my community.
My experience is drawn from applying my creativity as an architect and my love for personal development to deliver tangible outcomes not just for buildings, but for people, places and our communities.
So, I am entering this opportunity as someone who wants my children to believe too, that they are growing up in the ‘lucky country’.
The people of Farrer deserve someone who will listen to what you really need, but someone who also has the fresh and unique approach that I believe that I and the People First Party principles and policies can deliver.
Having served in diverse leadership roles from Director of the NSW Red Cross and Youth Advisory committees, to leading international teams delivering transformational grass root projects, you might wonder why a bloke living on the Central Coast with a young family, would be putting their hand up to stand for the people of Farrer?
It’s a fair question.
As I said before, my roots are in the country and as a proud New South Welshman who has travelled extensively across our nation, I feel a deep connection to our land and its people.
People First Party is about practical actions and outcomes that will deliver direct benefits and improve our quality of life on a daily basis. We are committed to putting the Australian people back at the centre of decision making. Where you belong.
You. Earned. This.