Opinion

Albo finally names the date but here’s why we’re still a bit cranky

Communities doing the real work deserve better than election limbo

It’s official. We’ve got a date. The federal election will be held on 3 May.

Thanks Albo. But next time, could we not wait so long?

Because while you and your strategists have been playing political poker, we’ve been stuck holding off on sausage sizzles, postponing Mother’s Day high teas for children’s medical research support and rethinking the raffle roster at the Gerringong hall.

It’s been a scheduling nightmare.

Polling places aren’t just civic buildings wheeled out for elections.

They are community hubs, funded by cake stalls and barbecues, powered by volunteers, and booked months in advance for events that matter.

Not party launches. Not press conferences. Real community work.

It’s no small thing, planning a fundraiser.

It’s hours of unpaid labour, borrowed urns, handmade bunting, and spreadsheets for who’s bringing gluten-free.

And all of that gets thrown in the air when the election date is kept secret like the location of the crown jewels.

We get it. Election strategy is a game. But out here in the Kiama region and across the country, we’re not playing.

We’re doing. Raising funds for local services, filling in where government budgets fall short, and keeping community life ticking over.

We shouldn’t be the collateral damage in anyone’s media plan.

So yes, 3 May it is. And we’ll be there, doing our democratic duty, making sausage sandwiches with onions on the bottom like true patriots.

But let’s not forget who’s really doing the heavy lifting between elections.

Next time, give us the date early. We’ll work around it - we always do - but respect us enough not to make us wait.

The country’s best work doesn’t always happen in Canberra.

Sometimes, it’s in the local hall with a tray of scones and a purpose.