Adam Daggmarr is taking his passion for community into politics, launching an independent grassroots campaign for the Wright electorate at just 22 years old.
With the next federal election not due until 2028, Adam is getting an early start on building his profile.
Focused on community consultation, Adam said his goal is to listen to local concerns and ensure regional voices are heard in Parliament.
He aims to develop practical, community-driven solutions for issues including the cost-of-living crisis and concerns surrounding NDIS reform.
“As young people, a lot of us are in a position where we just feel helpless,” he said.
“But we need to stand up and do something about it – and that’s why I’m here.”
Originally from southeast Melbourne, he describes his upbringing as one of “humble beginnings”, having grown up in a small town on the outskirts of Melbourne, bordering regional Victoria.
Adam said the determination he brings to politics was shaped in part by tennis, a sport he has played since the age of five.
“I think tennis made me into a driven person and a person that fights for things,” he added.
After moving to the Gold Coast at 14, he found a strong sense of belonging among the region’s community-minded residents and was inspired by the rural character of the Wright electorate.
“That’s the heart of my campaign: this sense of community spirit and rural charm,” he said.
Making his mark
Driven by those values, Adam launched a Facebook page on May 20 documenting his political journey and highlighting concerns raised by residents throughout the region.
He said his research had shown that understanding federal issues alone was not enough, as their impacts often varied significantly at a local level.
“You can’t just talk about the cost of living in Scenic Rim, you have to talk about how it’s actually affecting people in the Scenic Rim – it’s going to be very different,” he said.
“I want to run a campaign where I can tailor what I talk about in federal politics to local issues. I want to tie it all together because, ultimately, it all ties back.”
As a result, some of his content also explores State Government issues, which he said often overlap with federal policy and have direct impacts on local communities.
His content has attracted almost 300,000 views on social media.
“The biggest thing I want to do is spread awareness. I wouldn’t think it would ever be that big – I’m incredibly grateful,” Adam added.
He hopes to build on that momentum by expanding his online presence, with plans to launch a website and create longer-form videos featuring interviews with locals.
“What comes first is the people. They’re the ones that elect us, and we need to understand what they’re going through,” he said.
“I think we can get so much further as a country if we can put ourselves in someone else’s shoes.”
Alongside his work in medical sales and commitment to sport, Adam remains focused on engaging with residents and gaining a deeper understanding of the issues facing the community.
