Our Electorate
Our electorate of Nicholls spans far and wide and is home to fantastic and friendly people. It covers some of the southernmost ranges of the Great Divide, in which the vibrant towns of Kilmore Seymour, Broadford and the Puckapunyal Army base are nestled.
In the central part of the electorate are the alluvial flatlands that span either side of the Goulburn River as it flows through the towns of Nagambie, Murchison and Toolamba.
The Goulburn then junctions with the Broken River in Shepparton while the north of the electorate is the Murray River towns of Yarrawonga, Cobram and Echuca and the agricultural centres of Kyabram, Rochester, Nathalia and Numurkah
Nicholls is proudly known as the Food Bowl of Australia — a region built on rich, fertile soils and supported by an extensive network of irrigation channels that power our thriving agricultural sector. We are among the nation’s leading producers of apples, pears, and peaches, with much of this fruit processed locally. In fact, many of the tins of tomatoes, beans, and peaches found in pantries across Australia come directly from our region. These food processing facilities employ hundreds of locals and play a vital role in feeding both our country and the world.
We’re also at the heart of dairy country. Every day, millions of litres of milk are produced here, processed by local factories into high-quality dairy products that end up in homes and fridges across Australia and beyond. This industry not only delivers world-class goods but also provides stable employment for hundreds of people in our communities.
Thanks to our strong manufacturing base and close proximity to Melbourne, Nicholls has also become a key freight and logistics hub. In fact, more than 35 percent of Victoria’s heavy vehicles are registered in our electorate — a testament to our critical role in keeping goods moving across the state and the nation.
Our electorate is incredibly diverse, and I believe is one of the most successful examples of multiculturalism in the world. This includes being home to a vibrant, sophisticated, and evolving Indigenous culture.
Nicholls is a region built on hard work, resilience, and opportunity. People from all walks of life have made their way here — many arriving with very little — and have gone on to build extraordinary lives. That’s a testament to the unique opportunities our region continues to offer.
We’re fortunate to have strong educational pathways that support locals from early childhood through to tertiary study. Whether it’s preschool, school, TAFE, or university, our young people are set up to succeed. Alongside this, our growing towns offer a wealth of career opportunities across key industries including agriculture, healthcare, education, manufacturing, construction, and transport.
Our economy is powered by the spirit of local enterprise. Nicholls is home to iconic Australian brands as well as thousands of small, family-run businesses that provide vital services, drive innovation, and employ people right across the region.
Cultural life in Nicholls is thriving. Shepparton Art Museum is one of Australia’s leading regional galleries, housing a significant collection of historical and contemporary ceramics, along with important works of Australian art across all media. It proudly celebrates the oldest continuous living culture through its collection of works by artists with a connection to Yorta Yorta Country, on which the Museum stands.
Nearby, Shepparton’s Museum of Vehicle Evolution (MOVE) offers another rich cultural experience — home to a rare collection of vintage cars, trucks, motorcycles, and transport memorabilia, including the stunning Loel Thomson Costume Collection.
We’re also proud of our vibrant food scene. The region is home to outstanding restaurants, cafés, and clubs that showcase exceptional meals made from fresh, local produce. Thousands of tourists visit each year to experience our award-winning wineries, warm hospitality, and stunning landscapes.
Tourism thrives in towns like Yarrawonga, Echuca, and Nagambie. While their proximity to rivers and lakes draws people in, it’s the bustling streetscapes, local produce trails, and natural beauty that keep them coming back.
Our smaller towns are equally charming, each with their own unique identity. Many have made their mark with some of the best silo art in the country. On weekends, these towns come alive with local market stalls, coffee hubs, and some of the friendliest and most interesting people you’ll ever meet.
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What future are we setting up for those born in the regions now?
We owe it to them to invest, to innovate, to work hard and smart, to ensure opportunity is there for all, as we adapt to a changing future.”
Towns in Nicholls include:
Shepparton, Mooroopna and Kialla, Echuca, Yarrawonga, Kyabram, Seymour, Cobram, Numurkah, Tatura, Broadford, Kilmore, Nagambie, Nathalia, Tongala, Rushworth, Gunbower, Lockington, Tungamah, Dookie, St James, Tallarook, Avenel, Katamatite, Strathmerton, Merrigum, Girgarre and Stanhope.
Learn more about my Vision for Nicholls