A crowd gathered in Bridgetown on Monday night to hear why media personality and Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas is running for a seat in Parliament.
Mr Zempilas is the Liberal Party’s candidate for the seat of Churchlands in the 2025 State election.
He was joined at the Bridgetown Bowling Club by current State MP Steve Thomas, Warren-Blackwood candidate Wade De Campo, and WA Liberals’ Bridgetown president Peter Whitney.
Mr Zempilas said he was “captured” by how “breathtaking” Bridgetown was, with the bowling club environment reminding him of what he loves about country towns.
“I know you’re very proud of it. You should be. You are a beacon for many around the State,” he said.
Mr Zempilas reflected on his time in the media, and the reasons for why he is making a move into State politics.
He recalled broadcasting when Steven Bradbury won a gold medal for Australia in a now well-known comeback tale.
“In many ways, Steven’s story mirrors the Liberal Party story right now,” he said.
“That is the Australian spirit — when you give yourself a chance, when you put yourself in contention, when you’re enthusiastic, when you never give in, when you go and go again — what can be possible?”
“Without people stepping forward . . . change isn’t possible. Things will stay the same until someone decides one day, ‘right, I’m going to have a crack’.
“That’s what I am doing. I want to help Western Australians live their best lives.“
Mr Zempilas said he believed things could be done differently and better, seeing his tilt at politics as an opportunity to make an impact at a community, electorate, town, and State level.
Brought up by Greek parents, he said they taught him three important lessons which he lives by.
“They said, ‘work hard son, use common sense, and do the right thing by people all the time’,” he said.
“That’s how I tried to live my life. It’s what I plan to bring with me.
“Put yourself in a race and you just don’t know. That will be the Liberal story in 2025.”