About Lou Nicholson, Independent for Finniss
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I live in Goolwa South with my husband, Sam, and our three children.
With grandparents, parents and children all calling the Fleurieu home, our life is firmly rooted in the state electorate of Finniss.
As a family, we are involved with local sport, community groups, school activities, volunteering and the many events, fundraisers and small businesses that make this region so special.
The Fleurieu isn’t just where I live, it’s where we are raising the next generation, and where I'm committed to building a strong future for everyone.
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As an allied health professional I deeply value my local work and connections as a paediatric occupational therapist, supporting children and families across the south coast.
My passion for health and science culminated in my higher education at Flinders University (Bachelor of Science and Master of Occupational Therapy), and has shaped my evidence‑based, people‑centred approach to problem‑solving and leadership.
I bring a professional skillset uniquely suited to representing a diverse electorate, with complex needs.​
In the last state election in 2022, frustrated by my experience with our local MP and recognising the need for strong competition to raise the bar, I ran my first campaign as an Independent Candidate for Finniss. With the community's support, I received 49.3% of the final distribution of votes. Reducing the margin by which the seat was held from 14.5% to just 0.7%.
Since then I have remained connected to our community as an Elected Council Member at Alexandrina Council, elected in November 2022.
I have approached this role with dedication and integrity, have taken the responsibility seriously and worked tirelessly for the whole community.
I have listened to both the loud and the quiet voices, stood firm on evidence‑based decision‑making.
My focus has always been, and remains, the long‑term wellbeing of the people who live in this community.
Committed to continually strengthening my ability to serve, I also graduated from Adelaide University's Pathways to Politics program, further developing my skills in governance, policy, and community leadership.
My passion for State Parliament has grown from years of hands‑on community work, local service, and a deep belief in the value of independent representation.
Inspired by community independents, such as Cathy McGowan, I am determined to bring a strong, constructive, evidence‑driven voice to Parliament, one that puts the needs of Finniss first.
I am ready to serve, ready to listen, and ready to put our community and its people front and centre.
If you feel as strongly as I do about having independent representation for Finniss in SA Parliament, find out how you can get involved with my campaign.