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LONG-TIME Broadford resident Rob Mitchell has been endorsed as the Labor candidate for McEwen for the next Federal election.
In 2002, he became a member of the Bracks Government as the first Labor member elected to the Victorian Legislative Council seat of Central Highlands.
In 2006, the seat was abolished and he became Senior Adviser to the Victorian Minister for Agriculture, where he focused on portfolio responsibilities of fisheries and biosecurity.
In 2007, he stood as Kevin Rudd’s Labor candidate for McEwen but, after a number of recounts, was defeated, losing to sitting member Fran Bailey by 11 votes.
Mr Mitchell is standing as Labor’s candidate again because he is committed to providing a strong voice for the local community in the Federal Government and he has already hit campaign trail, meeting with local residents to discuss the issues that matter to them.
Just hours after his endorsement, Mr Mitchell attended community events in Diamond Creek and Kilmore.
"It’s an honour to be selected as part of Kevin Rudd’s team and I look forward to working with the Prime Minister to build a stronger future for our local families," Mr Mitchell said.
"This campaign will be a tough one and won’t be taken for granted – I am committed for the long term to do the work and win McEwen for our future.
"The Rudd Government is investing in long-term infrastructure like rail, roads, and broadband to strengthen our economy and boost jobs.
"Here in McEwen, Kevin Rudd’s government is delivering over $185 million in infrastructure projects throughout our community to improve facilities and support jobs for tradespeople and small businesses.
"Never before has a Federal Government invested in McEwen like the Rudd Labor Government has," Mr Mitchell said.
Before entering the political sphere, Rob had a long career in the transport industry and understands the effects the global recession is having on local communities, small businesses and families in McEwen.
Ever since he worked as an RACV mechanic helping drivers on Victorian roads, he has played a ‘hands on’ role in the community.
He has worked on numerous community projects in the area including establishing the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in Craigieburn - a voluntary organisation that attends medical emergencies.
Rob trained with the Metropolitan Ambulance Service to become one of the first Victorian accredited First Responders for the CERT.
More recently, he has assisted local communities and businesses get back on their feet following the Black Saturday bushfires.
A passionate supporter of better access to health care, Mr Mitchell has also been actively involved with the Marfan Association to bring about better awareness and understanding of genetic health issues.
He believes McEwen faces significant challenges in 2010.
"With the bushfires and the Global Financial Crisis, I believe it is critical to keep supporting local jobs and businesses," he said.
"The Rudd Labor Government’s done a lot in the past two years. But we know that there's more to be done. I want to help make our community an even better place to live."
Mr Mitchell will be travelling throughout the McEwen electorate with his mobile office to give locals a chance to have their say about how to make the local community an even better place to live.
Dates and locations for the mobile office are still being finalised, but Mr Mitchell is often around the towns and will be available by phone for anyone who would like a chat.
For any inquiries, please contact Rob Mitchell on 0448 202 010 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .