Big shoes to fill

Alison Marchant (supplied)

Alison Marchant will contest November’s state election after being preselected as Labor’s replacement for the retiring Lisa Neville.

Ms Marchant is a Leopold resident and said it was an “immense privilege to have the opportunity to contest the upcoming Victorian state election” as the Labor Candidate for the Bellarine.

Ms Marchant said she had big shoes to fill with Minister Neville calling time on her 20-year career.

“I will seek to honour her incredible legacy by making sure the Bellarine community continues to be at the heart of decision making,” she said.

“Having lived in Leopold for over 35 years, the Bellarine is a special place to my family and I.

“I attended Leopold Primary School and later Newcomb Secondary College, played netball in the local competition and was a Leopold Girl Guide.

“My husband and I met while at highschool and were later married in Queenscliff. We bought our first home in Leopold, and before starting a family, I studied at Deakin University to become a primary school teacher.

“We love the outdoors – fishing off Clifton Springs, surfing 13th Beach, taking the kids snorkelling at St Leonards and heading out to our favourite place to eat, the Portarlington Hotel.

“I have also co-owned a small boutique agri-business, growing and selling fresh berries and garlic at local farmers markets in Portarlington, Ocean Grove and Point Lonsdale.”