INDEPENDENT candidate for Monash, Deb Leonard, joined Bruce Beatson and his ‘Men’s Shed on Wheels’ group for a ride along the Great Southern Rail Trail from Foster to Toora on Wednesday morning.

The group rides three times a week along various trails to connect, chat, exercise, and build community. “I loved going for a ride with this group,” said Ms Leonard. “It’s so important for men to have opportunities like this to socialise, be active and support each other.”

The ride concluded with a delicious morning tea at the Windmill Cafe. There, Ms Leonard met with interested. members of the community to discuss her plans for Monash if elected.

“It was a fantastic morning, riding with the Men’s Shed crew and thenhearing directly from Toora locals at the cafe,” Ms Leonard said.

“People raised critical issues like the lack of childcare facilities in the area and difficulties accessing healthcare. I took copious notes and gained valuable insights from those with lived experience in these sectors.”

Deb Leonard is running as an independent candidate for the federal electorate of Monash in the upcoming election. She is focused on addressing the issues that matter most to locals, like the cost of living, healthcare access, upgrades to roads, and renewable energy.