General News
27 March, 2026
Ripon candidate selected
The first Ripon candidate to formally enter this year’s state election race has officially been announced this week, with Hepburn Shire councillor Tim Drylie stepping into the fray.
In a statement released by The Greens on Tuesday night, the party said Mr Drylie is standing to “fight for a fair go and a stronger future where no one is left behind.”
The Greens stated he is committed to affordable housing, stronger health, education and aged care services, safe and inclusive communities free from violence, and making sure climate action “delivers real benefits for regional Victoria.”
Mr Drylie has a background in sustainability initiatives, leading a local Repair Cafe, serving as president of a local business and tourism group, and has a long involvement in music and community theatre.
“Mr Drylie is a Hepburn Shire councillor, former mayor, father of three and community leader who sees every day how regional communities are being squeezed by the rising cost of living, housing stress, climate impacts and stretched local services,” the party said in a statement earlier this week.
“Through his work helping households and small businesses cut energy costs, he knows too many regional Victorians are being asked to pay more, carry more, and accept less.”
The Greens said Mr Drylie brings strong governance experience, practical leader-ship, a long record of community action and that he “believes regional communities deserve honest representation, genuine consultation and decisions made in the public interest, not corporate greed.”
According to the Victorian Electoral Commission, during the 2022 state election The Greens obtained 5.96 percent of preferences in the seat of Ripon, and a total of 2524 votes.