Just about five weeks out from the state election, the Australian Labor Party has endorsed a candidate to run in the seat of Lowan.
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Stawell resident Maurice Billi has been endorsed as Labor’s candidate for Lowan, joining independent Barry Shea and incumbent Emma Kealy of the Nationals Party.
Mr Billi works as a youth service coordinator at Grampians Community Health and has lived in the Wimmera for more than 20 years.
“I am thrilled the opportunity has come up. As soon as I was asked I didn't need to take any time to think about it,” he said.
“As the Labor candidate, I want to give people in Lowan a choice between a government delivering for all communities, or a Coalition with a track record of cuts and closures in country communities.”
Despite living in Stawell, which sits in the state electorate of Ripon, Mr Billi said he has a good understanding of Lowan.
“I have a pretty good handle on the region. What I want people to have is options,” he said.
With a background in health and youth services, Mr Billi said he believes his distance from the “political machine” makes him a “strong alternative choice”.
“I am approachable and up front and I’m really looking forward to meeting many Lowan voters ahead of polling day,” he said.
“I haven’t worked in offices all my life and haven’t been part of that bubble.
“I have spent most of my life working with and on behalf of vulnerable young people and families and I’m passionate about attracting services and programs to the region to make this an even better place to live.”
Mr Billi said health, education and transport will be key issues he will be driving home in his campaign.
“With my background in health and education obviously I have seen first hand the importance of them,” he said.
“I am really passionate about youth mental health. There are also plenty of great opportunities for employment in the region which we can continue to build upon.”
The Victorian state election will be held on Saturday, November 24.
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