STATE Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, has announced that she will not recontest her seat in November’s state election. Ms O’Keeffe was first elected in 2022, after defeating Independent MP Suzanna Sheed.
In an announcement, Ms O’Keeffe said it has been a privilege, honour and joy to be a National Party member in State Parliament and to represent and serve the community.
“I have committed more than 10 years to public service including six years in Local Government. It has always been about serving my community, advocating for our region, and ensuring that people have the care and support they deserve and need,” she said.
“The time has come for me to slow down, spend more time with my family, and some much-needed self-care.”
While acknowledging some important investments in the electorate, including specialised housing for people experiencing homelessness, construction of staff accommodation at GV Health and the Shepparton Youth Prevention and Recovery Centre, as well as new early learning centres and the long-awaited redevelopment of Numurkah’s Pioneer Memorial Lodge Aged Care Facility, Ms O’Keefee also expressed frustration at the “shortfall of investment into regional Victoria under the current Victorian State Government.”
“It shouldn’t matter who is the government of the day, hospitals should be completed and properly invested so that they can provide the healthcare services communities need,” she said.
“We also desperately need more housing; everyone deserves to have a roof over their head and a place to call home. It has been incredibly distressing to see so much cost-of-living pressures impacting households and cuts to critical services.”
“I wish to thank all of my National Party colleagues who have given me support and encouragement along the way, my loyal and supportive local National Party members, the team at Head Office, and deep gratitude to my dedicated staff Melissa, Jack, Safa and Nancy who have worked so incredibly hard and have supported me and our constituents.
“And also, my family, friends and my dedicated husband Brendan who has been with me every step of the way. To my community, thank you for your belief in me for your support.
“I will continue to support the community in any way that I can. That won’t change,” she said.
Candidates in the 2026 election
Following Ms O’Keeffe’s announcement, Alexander Lew, who lives in Burramboot in the Campaspe Shire and who works in Shepparton in the Office of Public Prosecutions, has announced he will apply for the Nationals preselection process.
Local business owner and City of Greater Shepparton Councillor for McEwan Ward, Steven Threlfall, has announced his intention to run as a candidate for One Nation.
Cayla Fin, who works at GOTAFE, has been announced as a candidate for the Labor Party.
Grace Verney, a university student and health sector worker, is the Greens Party candidate for Shepparton District.
Representing the Northern Victoria electorate, which includes Shepparton and surrounding communities, Liberal MP Wendy Lovell announced earlier this year that she would also finish her tenure at the November election. Steve Brooks, a farmer and school teacher from Cobram, has been announced as the Liberal Party candidate for this seat.
The Victorian State Election will be held on November 28, 2026.
