Campaign was different this time: Hammer

By Tyler Maher

Nov 26, 2022

Liberal candidate for Shepparton Cheryl Hammer has explained the differences between her 2018 and 2022 campaigns to News deputy editor Max Stainkamph this evening.

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“Unlike 2018 where I was working really closely with a lot of the stalwarts, people in the Liberal bubble you would call it, people who were members (of the Liberal Party) and have been around politics for a long time and campaigned a lot in this electorate,” Ms Hammer said.

“(This time) a lot of these people (it’s) their first time involved in a campaign, they’ve come out to support me personally but also really believe in the campaign that we put together.”

Speaking before incumbent member for Shepparton Suzanna Sheed conceded defeat - and projections indicated that Coalition counterpart Kim O’Keeffe would claim the seat - Ms Hammer was happy with her efforts across the campaign and throughout the final day.

“The mood was fantastic today at the booths, I went around to probably about nine or 10 including Numurkah and Mooroopna of course,” Ms Hammer said.

“We went to some of the smaller ones as well as the bigger ones, the mood was really good, my volunteers were really buoyed by the response and the reaction but until they go in and tick the box who knows really.

“I really believe there was not much more I could have done physically or in terms of the campaign.

“It will be what it will be, but the feeling was really good.”

The benefit of a second tilt also allowed Ms Hammer to enjoy the post-6pm emotions on election day.

“It’s a weird feeling to be honest (when 6pm on election day hits) and I was aware of it this time,” she said.

“At that time there’s nothing more you can do so there is a bit of relief because the campaign proper is sort of over and you can come back and kick back with your (friends), vollies (volunteers) and your family.”