Photo – Gurmesh Singh, Mareeta Grundy, Nichole Overall MLC, Hon Rick Colless
Mareeta Grundy has been preselected as the NSW Nationals' candidate for Monaro at the March 2027 state election.
Party members made the decision at a Monaro State Electorate Council meeting in Queanbeyan today.
Ms Grundy, from Bywong, has lived in the Monaro for more than 30 years.
A qualified dietician, she has worked for the Australian Defence Force, Monash Medical Centre, the St Kilda AFL Club, the Canberra Raiders, and the National Heart Foundation.
She has been on Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council since 2021.
"The Nationals have a proud history and a proud record of delivery in Monaro. I look forward to being able to continue that," Ms Grundy said.
"Monaro is my home, where I've worked, run a business, raised a family, and been very involved in community life.
"People are working harder than ever but finding it more difficult to get ahead. We are frustrated by rising costs, declining services, and a government that is increasingly disconnected.
"We need better healthcare, better roads, greater relief from cost-of-living pressures, and more support for small business.
"I stood for council because people in the regions deserve better, and my message is the same today.
"I fought against the council's 64% rate rise. It wasn't fair on local families then, and it isn't now.
"I also opposed a pay rise for councillors and the mayor. How can council ask for a 64% special rate rise because of they don't have enough money, and then vote themselves more money?", Ms Grundy said.
NSW Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh said Mareeta's local credentials would serve her well.
"People want representatives who listen, make sensible decisions and are prepared to stand their ground when their community is being overlooked. Mareeta has already demonstrated those qualities in local government and I know she'll bring the same determination to Macquarie Street," Mr Singh said.
"Monaro needs an MP who knows the community and has the policies behind them to actually deliver.
"I'm looking forward to working with Mareeta to deliver our plan for a stronger regional NSW."
NSW Nationals' Chairman, Hon Rick Colless, said Ms Grundy will be an outstanding candidate.
"Mareeta knows what it means to stand up for her community. She's done that at the local government level, and I look forward to her making a similar contribution at the state government level," he said.
