The Last Week on the Campaign
Saturday
At the footy! A home game against Wandella. The Moulamein Swans gave it their all and both football and netball Seniors came out triumphant. Yay! It is so good to be home after a month away but there is a bit of work to do around the farm. I spent the evening chasing 300 sheep out of the wrong paddock and fixing the fences.
Sunday
After four weeks away the paddocks are looking pretty neglected. With rain threatening I thought I'd better get some seed in the ground. It would have been quicker if I had remembered to lift the gears on the seed box. Whoops! Around I go again. The best part about being on the farm on a Sunday is the home cooked roast dinner.
Monday
On Monday morning I went to Barham. I was pleased to see my posters still up in all the local businesses although I did chip the local newspaper for not having a picture of me. In the afternoon I was back in Hay to talk education and housing. Then a meet and greet with some locals.
Tuesday
Tuesday was paperwork day! I ordered flyers for the election on Saturday and went through all my receipts ready for disclosure. I also answered a few emails and rang and spoke to some constituents who had raised issues so I could understand their needs better. I also looked up "content monetisation" to educate myself on social media bias and reporting. And boy what an education. I now know why some other candidates are more "popular" and it has nothing to do with votes.
Wednesday
On Wednesday I travelled to Tooleybuc for light and fluffy fish and chips at the newly renovated sports club. Then off to Murray Downs for a quick look at the new boat ramp. I also spent some time speaking to school parents about the lack of public transport and school buses in cross-border communities.
Thursday
Thursday was off to pre-polling in Echuca. Is was snowy sort of weather but I was surprised at the tenacity of the volunteers for all parties as they didn't seem to feel the cold. A big thankyou to Joy for braving the cold for me. In the afternoon I travelled down to Albury for pre-polling there. I met some politicians from the big smoke who tried to hand me how-to-vote cards. Which was funny for everyone.
Friday
Friday was pre-polling in Albury north. I met some relatives of other candidates who let me know their voting order. A good reminder to everyone that you do not have to follow your party's how-to-vote card! In the evening I went to the Karl Stefanovic Show which had advertised 'all the candidates'. Imagine my surprised then when they banned me from attending. Clearly I am not controversial enough for them! Drinks with friends then last minute preparations for voting instead.
