THE election campaign was only hours old and already there were five candidates lining up to try their luck with the voters of Calare.
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It was no surprise when Prime Minister Turnbull at the weekend announced the double dissolution election for July 2.
The announcement meant the end of the political career of the long serving Member for Calare John Cobb who has announced his retirement.
In his second last day on the job he came to Portland to announce government funding for a cycle track being developed by school students.
Mr Cobb had little difficulty fending off challengers at the ballot box during his time in Calare but with his retirement campaigning will be on in earnest in a bid to break the Nationals hold on the seat.
There are now five candidates who have announced their intentions with the possibility of more to come from fringe dwellers.
On the eve of the Prime Minister’s announcement the Central West Greens kick-started their campaign for Calare by announcing Delanie Sky as their candidate.
Based in Blayney, Ms Sky is a social welfare worker and youth counsellor who hopes to ignite change in the region.
As a working single mother of three, Ms Sky feels she can offer the electorate a genuine candidate that isn’t ‘blinded to the issues in society by a wealthy upbringing’.
“I’m a single mum, I’ve been on welfare, I’ve done the hard yards — I understand the struggles that everyday Australians have,” she said.
“For me personally, as a mother, the Greens have all the policies.”
Previously announced candidates are:
● ANDREW GEE (Nationals)
● JESS JENNINGS (ALP)
● ROD BLOOMFIELD (Xenophon Party)
● ANTHONY CRAIG (Independent).
Mr Gee is currently the State Member for Orange and has won Nationals pre selection in his bid to switch to the federal seat.