Nationals candidate for Nicholls Sam Birrell officially launched his campaign without pomp or ceremony at the Toolamba hotel on Friday night.
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Country singer Mish Kerley kept the crowd entertained while sitting member Damian Drum manned the barbecue.
Party support: Volunteers man the BBQ.
Mr Drum put down the tongs to officially launch the campaign, and said he would be working as hard as he could to support Mr Birrell.
“Sam Birrell is the candidate who has the experience, intelligence, track record and empathy to deliver great things for this electorate,” Mr Drum said.
Balmy evening: Sam Birrell drew a strong crowd to his official campaign launch.
Victorian Nationals leader Peter Walsh was along to support the new candidate, as well as former state member for Shepparton Jeanette Powell, who was also handy behind the barbecue.
Mr Birrell thanked the party for the trust placed in him, before describing a vision for a positive future.
“People who live in regions in other western democracies would do anything to have a party focused on regions — we have it. Let’s embrace it, and continue to use it as a platform for our prosperity,” he said.
“We will have frequent and fast train services to Melbourne, farms booming through innovation and a burgeoning renewable sector.”
Volunteers: The team backing Sam Birrell’s campaign.
A proud mum, Sue Birrell said her son was a worthy candidate.
Mr Birrell’s sister, Hannah Mark, said her brother was doing a really good job, and would do really well if elected.
Mr Birrell’s wife, Lisa, said it was exciting that the big night had finally arrived and that she couldn’t wait for the federal election to be called.
“I am really proud of him ... It’s a really tough job, I know a lot of people don’t want to do it, and I think we’ve got to support people who want to put their hand up and represent their local community and local region,” she said.
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