From dairy farming to Parliament, Rikkie-Lee relishes a challenge

TO say that Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell’s life has changed dramatically over the past two years would be an understatement.

As wife to Aaron and mother to Laylla and Emmett, the state election in November 2022 changed her life forever, when she was elected as the first One Nation member of the Victorian Parliament, sitting in the Legislative Council as the Member for Northern Victoria Region.

Rikkie-Lee now represents constituents in the largest electorate in Victoria, from Corryong in the east to Mildura in the west, and down to Yarra Glen in the south, with the historic and beautiful city of Bendigo located right in the heart of the electorate.

Although the environment is completely different to country life, Rikkie-Lee has found the diversity of Parliament House exciting and her transition to state politician has been a smooth one.

“I am proud that a dairy farmer from a small country community can be elected by her constituents to represent them in the Victorian Parliament,” Rikkie-Lee said.

Born in Wagga Wagga and raised on the NSW south coast, Rikkie-Lee moved to Tallangatta upon meeting Aaron, and the family moved to their present home at Invergordon in 2017.

The journey into state politics for Rikkie-Lee has had its fair share of ups and downs, but she has tackled the challenges she faced with tenacity and determination on the road to Spring Street.

“Like everyone in life, I have faced adversity and setbacks prior to being elected to Parliament, and have been lucky to have the support of my husband and two children and my friends along the way,” she said.

As a working mother, Rikkie-Lee acknowledges the sacrifices that all working mums make in juggling their careers with responsibilities at home.

Personally, this is compounded by the long parliamentary sitting weeks and the many meetings she attends in Melbourne and throughout her electorate.

“Every working parent struggles at times with the demands of both their professional and family lives, but my family and I have adapted to the change and have found a healthy balance by sharing responsibilities,” Rikkie-Lee said.

Rikkie-Lee says she entered state politics to help regional communities with issues relating to Victorian government matters and to help her constituents navigate the complex bureaucracy of government and its many departments.

“Dealing with the government can be daunting and many people feel overwhelmed dealing with government representatives,” she said.

“I am proud to be a voice for the people of my electorate and I want to be their first port of call if they find themselves in need of assistance with any State Government issues.”

Rikkie-Lee’s electorate office is in Shepparton at 5 Vaughan Street. She can be contacted on 4700 1787 during office hours or at any time at [email protected].