Flinders University Bachelor of Science graduate Saskia Gerhardy has been announced as Labor’s candidate for Mayo in the forthcoming Federal election.

Ms Gerhardy majored in Biodiversity in Conservation, graduating from Flinders in 2018.

If elected she would, at 23, eclipse Sarah Hanson-Young as the youngest woman elected to federal parliament. Her past experience includes environmental educator at primary schools, and coordinator of the Willunga Trees for Life group. Ms Gerhardy was recently appointed its inaugural Young Landcare Ambassador to assist the group with youth engagement.

Ms Gerhardy ran for Onkaparinga council elections last year and finished a solid third out of 11 candidates, before being approached by supporter Leon Bignell who suggested she consider joining the ALP.

Despite her youth, Ms Gerhardy has a strong record of achievement and this latest news has seen her heralded as an emerging star at the forefront of a long political career.

Ms Gerhardy commenced her Flinders connection in 2014 by winning the University’s statewide Prize for Excellence in History as a high school student. Her journey leading up to the 2019 election can be followed on Facebook.