About Paula

Paula Doran is the Liberal candidate for Ballarat.

Paula is a passionate regional advocate, seeking to represent Ballarat in Federal parliament to ease the cost of living, advocate for local business and fix local roads.

Born and raised in Colac, Paula grew up in the farming country around Red Rock, attending football on Saturday and church on Sunday.

She’s passionate about the farming sector, and as a journalist it formed her ongoing advocacy for the big issues impacting regional communities.

Her family has strong connections in and around Ballarat and Skipton. When the ABC set up in Ballarat, she was the Inaugural Digital Producer.

Her commitment to advocacy took her to Timor-Leste in 1999, where she ran Radio Timor Kmanek, amplifying voices in a newly independent nation.

Now settled in Ballarat, Paula has built a reputation as an innovator with an ability to create forward-thinking strategy that builds community.

As she raises her 15-year-old daughter and a very demanding border-collie named Bella, she understands firsthand the pressures of the rising cost of living and has juggled multiple responsibilities to make ends meet. She is deeply concerned about Labor’s lack of support for small businesses.

With Ballarat experiencing rapid growth, Paula believes in a well-planned, strategic approach to development — one that fosters thriving communities rather than uncontrolled expansion.

Paula brings fresh eyes, experience, and a strong voice to represent the needs of Ballarat. It’s time to get Australia back on track.