Dr Gillespie was in Gloucester last Thursday with National Party senator John Williams. Dr Gillespie won National Party pre-selection for Lyne in February.

The pair called into Gloucester saleyards as part a familiarization tour of the local community.

The Gloucester local government area will move from the federal seat of Paterson to Lyne at the next federal election.

Dr Gillespie said Thursday’s visit was to see what issues were impacting on the local area, what social infrastructure needs maintenance, and how the Federal Government might be able to help.

Dr Gillespie said was no stranger to the local area, having been through Gloucester on several fundraising bike rides and also working at the hospital as part of an outreach clinic.

He said the issue of regional health was one that was close to his heart, having worked in the field all his life.

Dr Gillespie said he didn’t believe local voters would have a problem with the move from Paterson to Lyne at the next election.

“What the Nationals stand for, they come from areas like this,” he said.

“We will stand up for the region,” he said.

The Labor Party are expected to pre-select a candidate to contest Lyne soon, and the seat is currently held by Independent Rob Oakeshott.