Her local supporters have volunteered to open and manage a campaign office in the Deniliquin CBD on her behalf.
Volunteer Roseanne Farrant said it will be a space where locals can learn more about the candidate, and raise issues they would like to see addressed during the election.
Volunteers will spend this week setting up the office, which will then be opened formally next week.
It is located at 259 Cressy St, which was previously home to both McLarens and Devour Cafe.
“We plan to open most days, most likely from 10am to 2pm,” Ms Farrant said.
“It will be run by volunteers in a campaign to get an independent to properly represent our region.
“We are encouraging people to engage in the issues that are coming up in our community, and in the wider Farrer electorate.”
Ms Milthorpe will operate from the campaign office when in the area, and she said her volunteers in other areas would also be encouraged to spend some time at the Deniliquin office.
“I would like the Albury volunteers to come and spend some time here too, to talk to the community and get a feel for their needs.
“While we’re all part of the same space (Farrer), but the issues can be very different (in each community).
“I have had a few ‘Meet Michelle’ events at a hub in Albury, and they are very interested in learning about what is happening in the more regional areas.”
Ms Farrant said cross-border issues and access to services are usually the most prominent concerns for regional communities, particularly health.
Ms Farrant said the groundswell of support for an independent candidate is based on the desire for representation that is free from party policy.
“The value of having an independent is that doors open to independents, and they don’t have to toe a party line,” Ms Farrant said.
Ms Milthorpe said she acknowledges that this does prompt concerns about her allegiances when it comes time to voting.
But she said her duty would always be to Farrer.
“A common question asked of me is ‘who will you vote with?’, but I think a more valid question is who will I vote for?
“Any decisions I make are through a Farrer lens, not a party lens.
“I will also always be clear about why I make the decisions I do.”
Ms Milthorpe will be back in Deniliquin next weekend to attend the Deniliquin Show, where she will make herself available to speak with locals.
In the meantime, anyone wishing to learn about Ms Milthorpe and her campaign can visit the Deniliquin campaign office.
24°C