It takes a team, and newly re-elected member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie has thanked the "600 to 700, maybe more" volunteers, many who have jobs of their own, who helped during his federal election campaign.
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"It was a real team effort," he said. "Anyone getting elected can't do it on their own. I certainly had a wonderful team of volunteers and helpers and a wonderful office backing me all the way."
Following the preference count, Dr Gillespie secured 65.9 per cent of the Lyne vote, while Labor candidate Phil Costa received 34.1 per cent. "I feel humbled and honoured by the support people have shown. It's a great honour to be elected and a great honour to be re-elected."
He said the result also showed the amount of trust people have in the Coalition.
All 16 National Party candidates were elected to their House of Representative seats, with a wait now on the result for the Senate. "We're hoping Perin Davey will be elected."
Entering his third term as member for Lyne, Dr Gillespie said health, boosting the economy and aged care expansion are his priorities for the electorate, which covers 16,099 square kilometres.
He said an MRI for the Manning Hospital, a radiation oncology unit for the Manning Great Lakes and a Headspace facility for Taree, are "all really critical for the health of the region."
When it comes to boosting the economy, he highlighted the Figtrees on the Manning development, which was "unlocked" with $8 million in federal funding, and has plans to catch up with Bushland Health to make sure the project is rolling on.
"There are more projects and infrastructure to create jobs. Whether that is physical, like better roads and bridges that connect communities, or social, such as the massive expansion of aged care, which will give long-term employment in the industry but also construction."
Another roll out of the federal rural and regional apprenticeship subsidy is coming (Lyne secured 10 per cent in the first round) and with 1200 available, Dr Gillespie is hoping to get a similar number this time.