31 March 2025
The Australian Labor Party has preselected local teacher and community advocate Celine Varghese-Fell as its candidate for the federal seat of Warringah at the 2025 election.
A long-time resident of Balgowlah, Varghese-Fell has served on various local groups and boards including the NSW Out of Hours School Care peak body. She is positioning herself as a strong local alternative to incumbent independent MP Zali Steggall, pledging to campaign on Medicare, education and cost-of-living relief.
“Labor is making it easier to see a doctor by investing in Medicare, increasing access to bulk billing and making it cheaper to buy your prescriptions,” Varghese-Fell said. “With my background as a teacher and educator of primary school age children, I know how important education is for our future generations. I want to see a re-elected Labor government continue to invest in education, including making free TAFE permanent.”
Labor duty senator for Warringah Jenny McAllister backed the endorsement, describing Varghese-Fell as “a passionate and energetic representative, who understands the community.”
Meanwhile, the Greens have named Northern Beaches councillor Bonnie Harvey as their candidate for Warringah. Harvey, first elected to council in 2021 at age 19, is a University of Sydney political scholar, local business owner and artist, with a council platform focused on environmental innovation and revitalising Manly’s economy through live music and events.
Harvey has also advocated for removing shark nets, investing in coastal ecosystems and protecting local wildlife such as the Fairy Penguins.
She joins Varghese-Fell in challenging Steggall, who is recontesting the seat she has held since 2019.