A sense of optimism: independents in regional Australia claim to offer a new kind of politics, but can they win?

Alex Dyson has another shot at the Victorian seat of Wannon at the 2025 election: ‘I may be naive and not able to change anything, but I’ve got to be able to try.’ Composite: Guardian Design/The Guardian

Dan Tehan is walking along a beach in the largest town in his electorate when a voice from above cuts through the ocean breeze.

“Hey Dan,” a man shouts from a nearby whale-viewing platform. “Go Alex Dyson!”