Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party Julie Bishop visited Ararat as part of a tour of the Wannon electorate with new candidate Dan Tehan.
Ararat Liberal Party branch secretary Ron Roberts and branch member Graeme Ward were on hand to wish the candidates well for the August 21 election.
The party has had a 55-year stranglehold over the seat with former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser and former Speaker of the House of Representatives David Hawker holding the post for more than 27 years each.
Mr Hawker announced his decision to retire earlier this year.