FORMER independent MP for Shepparton, Suzanna Sheed, has thrown her support behind community independent candidate Lou Costa, ahead of the Victorian state election on Saturday, November 28.
Ms Sheed, who represented the Shepparton electorate as an independent from 2014 to 2022, demonstrated the influence an independent MP can have in securing investment and delivering outcomes for regional communities.
Lou said she was honoured to have the backing of someone who had demonstrated what effective independent representation could achieve.
“Suzanna showed this community that we don’t have to accept being taken for granted by the major parties,” said Ms Costa.
“She demonstrated that an independent who listens to the community, works constructively with government and stands up for our region can make a real difference. I’m incredibly grateful for her support, and I’m determined to build on that legacy.”
Ms Sheed’s endorsement comes as Lou Costa’s grassroots campaign gathers momentum across the electorate, which includes Shepparton, Mooroopna, Tatura, Numurkah, Nathalia and surrounding communities.
“When I was standing it was all about, we need the hospital, we need the rail, we need, you know, a whole lot of things,” Ms Sheed said.
“But this time around, there’s a really different feeling in our communities, and Lou really epitomises that because the way we’re heading, the way people are feeling in the world at the moment … has made us feel really quite upset and anxious.
“Lou is talking about a story of communities being together. And when things go bad, it’s community coming together that will save us all, really. Reaching out for each other, looking out for each other.”
The endorsement comes as Ms Costa officially opened her campaign hub at 201 Maude Street, Shepparton, providing a central meeting place for volunteers, supporters and community members in the final weeks of the campaign. Visitors are welcome between 11am and 3pm, Monday to Saturday but are recommended to call ahead on 0410 698 355.
