Edenhope woman Emma Kealy says she has the right mix of skills, experience and passion for the Lowan Electorate to win pre-selection for the National Party in advance of Novembers State election.

Currently Chief Executive of the Edenhope and District Memorial Hospital, Emma said she is excited to be putting her hat in the ring.

"I have a strong belief in the abilities and resourcefulness of people in the Lowan electorate. We know how to get things done out here, and I respect the sense of resilience and innovation that communities and businesses show.

"I would love the opportunity to support and encourage people in the Lowan Electorate to realise their full potential, as individuals, businesses and communities.

"We must have strong local economies and communities to make sure this electorate attracts new investment and new residents. The National Party makes sure that the voices of regional Victorians are not only heard, but really listened to by decision-makers," she said.

Ms Kealy listed ongoing improvements to road and rail infrastructure, reducing the burden of red-tape on business, access to technology including mobile phone coverage and decentralisation of government services as key issues she would pursue for the Electorate.

She also said her experience in rural and regional healthcare, and her interest in a strong future for education in the Electorate would give her an advantage.

"I feel that, as a member of the next generation of Nationals, I can make a difference in representing the people of Lowan," she said.

Ms Kealy, whose son Harvey recently turned one, said her social worker husband, Tim O'Donnell, is 100 per cent supportive of her decision.

"Like many modern families, Tim and I share child-raising duties and both feel that representing the Lowan electorate would be a great way that we, as a family, can contribute to the future of our region," she said.
Ms Kealy said her experience living and working in Melbourne for three years would bring a different perspective to the role.

"Having seen first-hand how Melbourne people perceive our electorate, I already have experience countering their misconceptions and explaining the needs of the people of this area," she said.

Ms Kealy is the sixth generation of her family to be born and raised in Edenhope. Originally from a farming family, Ms Kealy completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at the University of South Australia before embarking on a career that has seen her take on significant responsibilities at a young age.
She and her husband have lived in the Northern Territory, Melbourne and regional Victoria, relocating from Hamilton to live in Edenhope in 2010.

"We chose to come back to Edenhope after living in the NT, Melbourne and Hamilton. This electorate contains so many great communities, towns and cities. It is a fantastic place to raise a family and pursue a career," she said.