Former SAS trooper Darcy Dunstan has been chosen as the Liberal Party’s candidate for the seat of Corangamite at the next Federal Election.
Darcy is a tradie, a soldier, and a dad. Before joining the Australian Defence Force at the age of 21, Darcy finished his carpentry apprenticeship, worked as a chippy, and built his own house in his spare time.
After joining the Army, Darcy worked as diver before being selected to join the elite Special Air Services Regiment. Darcy received a commendation for distinguished service for outstanding commitment and actions taken while deployed to Iraq in 2021 with the SAS.
Now Darcy is raising his 14-month-old daughter with his fiancée, a local GP, while running his own small business.
Darcy has a deep desire to serve his community and nation. He has spent his life serving in the Australian Defence Force at the highest levels, and now wants to serve his community as the next member for Corangamite.
“I joined the ADF to serve my nation. Now I’m stepping forward for Parliament because I want to serve my community. My commitment is simple. If I am elected, I will listen, I will work hard and I will focus on what matters most to you. I will never stop until our community is heard.”
“Having been a tradie, I stand with hardworking, aspirational Australians. They are the backbone of this nation. The people of Corangamite are hurting while the cost-of-living continues to increase. People are going out less and making sacrifices to pay bills. If elected, I will work every day to deliver real cost-of-living relief and make home ownership a reality for all.”
Darcy is a passionate volunteer. His dedication to service was nurtured early in life, living with an indigenous community in the centre of Australia for two years, where his family helped local Aboriginal elders and youth.
He has volunteered his time and holidays to protect black rhinos from poachers in Africa, organised and led a crew of special forces veterans to raise money for charity by competing in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, and volunteered as a surf lifesaver.
Closer to home, he currently volunteers with the local CFA and plays football for the Modewarre Football Club. He is also a member of his local RSL.
Shadow Minister for Education, Sarah Henderson said: “Darcy is a highly-credentialled representative for the Liberal Party with an exceptional track record of service to his country and community.
“From acute cost-of-living pressures to the axing of $4 billion for faster rail to the failure to invest in new local infrastructure projects, Labor has consistently turned its back on the needs of Corangamite residents.
“Corangamite residents deserve a local MP who will stand up and deliver for our region and Darcy Dunstan has what it takes to make a real difference,” Senator Henderson said.