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Division of Warringah facts for kids

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Warringah
Australian House of Representatives Division
Division of Warringah 2010.png
Division of Warringah (green) in New South Wales
Created 1922
MP Zali Steggall
Party Independent
Namesake Warringah
Area 73 km2 (28.2 sq mi)
Demographic Inner Metropolitan

The Division of Warringah is a special area in New South Wales, Australia. It's used for elections to the Australian House of Representatives. Think of it like a school district, but for voting for a national leader!

This area is found in the Northern Beaches region of Sydney. It covers most of the land between Middle Harbour and the big Pacific Ocean. The division stretches from Port Jackson in the south up to the suburb of Dee Why in the north. It includes well-known places like Mosman, Manly, and Brookvale.

The name "Warringah" comes from the local Aboriginal Australian people. It's an Aboriginal word that can mean "rain," "waves," or "sea." This division was first created a long time ago, on 13 September 1922, for the federal election that year. For many years, people in Warringah usually voted for the Liberal Party. However, it is currently represented by Zali Steggall, who is an Independent member.

What is the Division of Warringah?

The Division of Warringah is an "electoral division." This means it's a specific geographic area. People living in this area vote for one person to represent them. This person then goes to the Australian House of Representatives in Canberra. The House of Representatives is where laws are made for all of Australia.

Why is Warringah important?

Each electoral division helps make sure that all parts of Australia have a voice. The person elected from Warringah speaks for the people living there. They bring local issues and ideas to the national parliament. This helps the government understand what different communities need.

Who Represents Warringah?

The person who represents Warringah in the Australian House of Representatives is called the "Member for Warringah." This person is chosen by the voters in the division during an election.

Past Members for Warringah

Over the years, many different people have been the Member for Warringah. They have worked to represent the community. Here are some of the people who have held this important role:

  • Sir Granville Ryrie (1922–1927)
  • Sir Archdale Parkhill (1927–1937)
  • Sir Percy Spender (1937–1951)
  • Francis Bland (1951–1961)
  • John Cockle (1961–1966)
  • Edward St John (1966–1969)
  • Michael MacKellar (1969–1994)
  • Tony Abbott (1994–2019) - He was also the Prime Minister of Australia!
  • Zali Steggall (2019–present) - She is the current Member for Warringah.

How Elections Work in Warringah

Every few years, Australians vote in a federal election. People in Warringah go to polling places to cast their vote. They choose who they want to be their representative. The person with the most votes wins and becomes the Member for Warringah. This is how the community gets to choose its voice in parliament.

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