LIBERAL candidate for Indi James Trenery is confident he can win the seat of Indi at the 2025 Federal Election, a vision he shared at the opening of his Tone Road, Wangaratta campaign office last week.
Supported by Victorian Senator Sarah Henderson and two dozen local Liberal stalwarts, Mr Trenery admitted it would take a large swing in his favour if he is to defeat Independent Helen Haines, but he said he was doing everything he can to make it happen.
"The margin last time was 8 per cent, but it's a big undertaking to do this and I wouldn't have done this if I didn't think I could win," Mr Trenery said.
"It's a lot of hard work and you're starting from a long way behind but I think we can win.
"One of the things that's changing is the apathy is gone in the community, the apathy disappeared when people got a power bill.
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"They want to see result and good policies to fix that and they want that discussion to take place.
"It's the same as the housing and I've got kids living at home because they're trying to save up for a house because they and their friends can't even get a rental."
He praised the Wangaratta business community for their support and their desire to see change in Indi.
"The Wangaratta business community is unique and they have been absolutely fantastic," he said.
"You'll go to an event and 40-50 people will turn up, it's not competitive and they want to know what they can do to support the community."
The Liberal Party hasn't held Indi since Sophie Mirabella lost the election in 2013 to Independent and Dr Haines' predecessor Cathy McGowan.
But Ms Henderson said Mr Trenery is getting out to every corner of the community, connecting with every group and organisation, which goes a long way to winning their support.
"James has been door knocking and some people have never seen a politician on their doorstep in Indi before, it's really exciting," Ms Henderson said.
Mr Trenery will open a campaign office in Wodonga at some time in the new year.
