Sam Birrell (Nicholls, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

One of the bittersweet parts of being an MP is the process of AEC redistribution, and, in my case, a boundary redraw has occurred leading to losses and gains. At the next election, Nicholls loses the region of Rochester and its surrounds, as they'll become part of the Bendigo electorate. It has been an absolute honour to represent the people of Rochester and that region. It's a wonderful farming community producing a lot of milk and tomatoes. In 2022 the Rochester region suffered from terrible floods. Many lost their homes and their businesses, but the way the community rallied together and came back from the floods was emblematic of what makes regional Australia great. Also leaving Nicholls in the south are Nulla Vale, Pyalong and Tooborac. It's been wonderful to work with those people, particularly on land care initiatives.

But for what Nicholls loses, it gains Kilmore, Kilmore East and the surrounds from the electorate of McEwen. The region of Kilmore is particularly close to my heart as I spent four of the best years of my life as a boarder at Assumption College, a school in Kilmore. It was a great time of sport, music, looking out at the rolling green hills and experiencing the occasional cold winter.

To what Nicholls has lost: I have been so proud to represent you. To what it has gained: I will ask for your vote at the next election, and, if I'm fortunate enough to win, I really look forward to working together to build our communities.