A dedicated community leader, Kate Hook is a working mum and small farmer from Orange.

She believes in doing things with community, not to them.

She believes in community-led solutions backed by government support to create thriving regional economies and communities.

She believes in finding long-term solutions not just band-aids. She has never been a political party member and thinks the two-party system is broken.

Backed by the community she ran for Calare in 2022 finishing second to the National Party incumbent.

Running again in 2025, Kate is dedicating herself full-time to the campaign.

Between elections, she has worked with communities, ensuring they benefit from renewable energy projects, advocating for their needs and securing fair outcomes.

She is committed to policies that foster unity, empower local communities, and equip them with the tools and funding needed to solve problems together.

Kate's key values include participation, evidence-based decision-making, transparency, accountability, community involvement and respect.

On her website she has outlined solutions for lasting cost of living relief, lower energy bills, fairer food prices, better healthcare, and a fairer tax system. She has plans for water security, local jobs and strong regional education.

Kate’s plans for long term affordable housing solutions include:

A special low interest rate for first home buyers

Infill Development - Build affordable homes on vacant sites within existing town footprints, to avoid sprawl.

Repurpose old buildings - Turn under-used sites and vacant infrastructure into innovative, resilient, sustainable and diverse housing.

CBD housing - Boost central living to support local jobs and services.

Kate believes all children deserve access to quality education, from early-learning through to study beyond high school.

100 per cent SRS Funding - Delivered to all public schools now, not in 2034.

Universal access to childcare with daily caps.

Fix Youth Allowance rules to better support regional university students.

Support students on placement to avoid “placement poverty” with financial support for unpaid learning placements.

Climate Smart Schools - Equip schools with solar power, electrification and shaded natural environments for better learning.

Kate sees the clean energy transition as an opportunity to transform Calare. Renewable energy will lower living costs, create jobs, attract new industries, and keep Australia competitive. She emphasizes the need to act now to secure a thriving, sustainable future.

Essential workers and public services are the backbone of the community, and Kate will fight for better funding for health and education ensuring everyone, especially the most vulnerable, are supported.

Kate stands for integrity and honesty in politics, truth in advertising, transparency in donations, and respectful debate in parliament.

She vows to call out misinformation and uphold the trust of Calare’s people.

Kate is ready to build a better future for Calare with stronger services, smarter infrastructure, and new opportunities for every generation.