NSW election: Liberals reveal Deanna Bocking as pick to win back Gosford from Labor’s former Paralympian

A local NDIS and aged care worker has been revealed as the Liberals’ pick to take on a former Paralympian in a key Central Coast seat, which was previously blue for a whopping 19 years.

Deanna Bocking has been revealed as the Liberals pick to win back key seat Gosford. Picture: Supplied

A local NDIS and aged care worker has been revealed as the Liberals’ pick to take on a former Paralympian incumbent in a key Central Coast seat, which had previously been held by the party for a whopping 19-year period.

On Monday, the Liberal party revealed former Gosford City councillor Deanna Bocking as their candidate in the electorate of Gosford, which has been held by Labor’s Liesl Tesch since 2017.

“I’ve always put my hand up to represent my community and advocate for important local infrastructure and services, previously as a local councillor, and now as the Liberal candidate for Gosford,” Mrs Bocking said.

NDIS and aged care worker Deanna Bocking was previously a local councillor and will look to beat Labor's incumbent Liesl Tesch in the Central Coast electorate of Gosford. Picture: Supplied

Gosford had been a blue stronghold, held for 19 years between 1988 and 2007 by Liberal Chris Hartcher, who later moved into national politics before he was implicated in a 2014 ICAC inquiry while he was federal member for Terrigal.

The Liberal Party is hoping Mrs Bocking’s strong local track record will aid her bid to unseat former Paralympian Ms Tesch in the key Central Coast battleground.

“As we face the challenges in front of us, and look to seize future opportunities for the Coast, it’s more important than ever that we have a strong voice in the Perrottet Government,” Ms Bocking said.

Ms Bocking will be taking on Labor’s former Paralympian Liesl Tesch (pictured), who won the electorate in 2017.

Unveiling her candidacy, the party said Mrs Bocking was well known for her work in the local community, including mentoring and coaching at Woy Woy Weight Watchers, and when she previously operated a small restaurant and bar in East Gosford.

“Small business is the backbone of our local economy, and after a tough few years, I’m optimistic that we’re bouncing back – as a former small business owner I understand the support local operators require, and I’ll fight for their needs in the NSW Parliament,” Mrs Bocking said.

To flip the electorate back to the blue team, Mrs Bocking will have to overturn about a 15 per cent margin on two-party-preferred vote, although she’s banking on local credentials in what will be a fierce fight for the seat.

“This election is not only about our local community, but also about the future of our great state, and I look forward to contributing to the Liberal team that will continue to manage our state’s finances to deliver the infrastructure and services Gosford needs,” she said.

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