To say that Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell’s life has changed dramatically over the past 18 months would be an understatement.
A wife to Aaron and mother to Laylla and Emmett, November 2022 changed her life forever, when she was elected to the Victorian Parliament’s Legislative Council as the One Nation Member for Northern Victoria.
Rikkie-Lee now represents constituents in the largest electorate in Victoria, from Corryong in the east to Mildura in the west, and down to Yarra Glen in the south.
The confines of Parliament House in Spring St are a little different to her job prior to the election as a dairy farmer with Aaron in Invergordon.
“I am proud that a dairy farmer from a small country community can be elected by her constituents to represent them in the Victorian Parliament,” she said.
The journey into state politics for Rikkie-Lee has had its fair share of ups and downs and she credits the support of her family and friends to help her get through the challenges she has faced on the road to Spring St.
“Like everyone in life, I have faced adversity and setbacks prior to being elected to parliament and have been lucky to have the support of my husband and two children and my friends along the way”.
As a working mother, Rikkie-Lee acknowledges the sacrifices that all working mums make juggling their careers with their responsibilities at home and is looking forward to a quiet Mother’s Day with her children.
“The kids usually deliver breakfast in bed on Mother’s Day, so I am really looking forward to that,” she said.
Rikkie-Lee said she entered state politics to help regional communities with issues relating to Victorian Government matters and help her constituents navigate the complex bureaucracy of government and its many departments.
“Dealing with the government can be complex and many people feel overwhelmed dealing with government representatives,” she said.
Rikkie-Lee is excited her electorate office is now located in Shepparton at 5 Vaughan St and encourages the public to contact her for assistance with any Victorian Government matters.