Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell | Political Leadership, Regional Victoria & Parliament
How does someone go from asking questions about problems affecting their local community to representing that community in Parliament? In this episode of Bridged By Words, Ethan Urch sits down with Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell, Member for Northern Victoria in the Victorian Legislative Council, to explore her journey from farming and regional life into advocacy, campaigning and elected office.
Rikkie-Lee shares how concerns surrounding water policy and the Murray-Darling Basin first pushed her to start asking questions about government decisions affecting her community. With no traditional political background, she describes learning politics on the fly, putting herself forward as a candidate and eventually becoming the first One Nation representative elected to the Victorian Parliament.
Together, they unpack the realities of political leadership: why real-world experience matters before entering politics, how professional relationships across party lines can help deliver outcomes, why good representatives need to get out into their communities, and how mentors can shape a political journey. Rikkie-Lee also speaks candidly about self-doubt, staying grounded and becoming the kind of representative she once wished she had.
Bridged By Words is the podcast where aspiring leaders connect with experienced politicians, gaining the lessons and inspiration they need for their own political journeys. Watch full interviews on YouTube or listen on Spotify.
What You’ll Learn:
Why gaining real-world experience can make you a stronger political representative
How a local community issue can become the beginning of a political journey
Why effective representation sometimes means showing up personally and seeing problems firsthand
How building professional relationships across political divides can help get things done
Why aspiring politicians should participate early, even when they are unlikely to win
How community groups can combine their voices to create greater political influence
Why finding the right mentors matters when navigating an unfamiliar political environment
The advice Rikkie-Lee would give aspiring leaders struggling with self-doubt: you may be capable of far more than you realise
