Born and raised in the Albury region, Raissa Butkowski has joined the by-election race as the Liberal Party candidate.
Ms Butkowski believes her experience as a community lawyer, local councillor and as the daughter of farmers has given her a deep understanding of the people of Farrer and the issues they face.
After completing her studies in Melbourne, she made the choice to return home to the region she loves.
“Albury has been a central part of my life. I was born and raised in Albury and, after going to Melbourne to study, I chose to come back home,” she said.
“This is the community that has helped shape the woman that I am and all of my work as a community lawyer and Albury councillor has been about helping to give back.”
Since announcing her candidacy, Ms Butkowski has travelled across the electorate to meet with farmers, families and businesses.
She said cost-of-living pressures remain a major issue, with many residents raising concerns about rising fuel prices and shortages and trying to stay on top of bills.
Farmers and business owners have also spoken to her about the impact of water buybacks on their farms and livelihoods.
Ms Butkowski said she was ready to be a strong voice for Farrer and ensure local concerns were represented at a federal level.
“I’m ready to be the voice of Farrer in Canberra, to ensure that we have strong representation for our regional communities,” she said.
“I will fight to get the support our families and businesses need, including improved water security and lower energy costs.”
She added that maintaining strong connections with communities across the electorate would remain a priority for her if she was elected.
“As a candidate, I have travelled to every corner of Farrer, and if elected I will continue to meet with people across this electorate to ensure that I represent the needs of every community,” she said.
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