The NT Independent is providing you with a light-hearted look at the candidates for the August 22 NT general election. We’re not looking at policy or platforms at this time, but rather at the person behind them.

Our Q&A should help you get to know the humans of NT politics.

Today’s profile is Ban Fracking Fix Crime Protect Water candidate for Johnston, Katherine Marchment.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“Use what you’ve got and you will never want”. This was said to me by my Scottish grandmother, Elizabeth Ferguson Mackay Davies. Focusing on what I do have, instead of what I don’t have, has always empowered me. It has enabled me to maximise and profit from the resources I have. It has helped me to quickly adapt to local conditions during my life of moving a lot around the country. This saying has not just given me my independence but allowed me to provide for others. It all starts with stopping and taking stock.

Tell us something interesting or quirky about yourself?

I once started a business from nothing using bamboo that the council paid me to cut out of the creeks, and with a big pile of bailing twine I got for free. I advertised my business as Bamboo and Baling Twine and got paid to make structures for people like shade structures, privacy screens and once a chook pen. In this way I was able to support myself and my son and keep fit at the same time.

How would your best mate describe you in twenty words or less?

“Friendly, smart, easy going, encouraging, a positive role model, happy, kind, does not give up!”

If you were stranded on a desert island and could bring one movie, one album and one book, what would they be?

Movie: The Toy Story series.

Album: Stay Human by Michael Franti and Spearhead.

Book: Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts

If you could invite anyone in history to dinner, who would it be and why?

Leonardo da Vinci. To talk about the problems of the world today.

A couple of really quick questions. You can give one word answers if you wish.

Tea or coffee?

Coffee.

Folder or scruncher?

Folder.

Wet season or dry season?

Wet.

AFL or NRL?

AFL.

Coles or Woollies?

Woolies.

Other candidates

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• NT election 2020 candidates – Tony Schelling
• NT election 2020 candidates – Marie-Clare Boothby
• NT election 2020 candidates – Leanne Butler
• NT election 2020 candidates – Gary Strachan
• NT election 2020 candidates – Kendall Trudgen
• NT election 2020 candidates – Andy Harley
• NT election 2020 candidates – Ngaree Ah Kit
• NT election 2020 candidates – Damien Ryan
• NT election 2020 candidates – Joshua Burgoyne
• NT election 2020 candidates – Kylie Bonanni
• NT election 2020 candidates – Gerard Maley
• NT election 2020 candidates – Jed Hansen
• NT election 2020 candidates – Danial Kelly
• NT election 2020 candidates – Billee McGinley
• NT election 2020 candidates – Matt Paterson
• NT election 2020 candidates – Beverly Ratahi
• NT election 2020 candidates – Caleb Cardno
• NT election 2020 candidates – Jo Hersey
• NT election 2020 candidates – Toby George
• NT election 2020 candidates – Gary Haslett
• NT election 2020 candidates – Dale McIver
• NT election 2020 candidates – Jerry Amato
• NT election 2020 candidates – Melita McKinnon
• NT election 2020 candidates – Melanie Usher
• NT election 2020 candidates – Steve Doherty
• NT election 2020 candidates – Rachael Wright
• NT election 2020 candidates – Rosemary Timber
• NT election 2020 candidates – Brian O’Gallagher