The independent candidate for Indi has today placed a full-page advertisement in The Border Mail and Wangaratta Chronicle listing 44 backers.

They include Mr Jasper, former Wangaratta mayors Roberto Paino and Don Joyce and former Indigo mayor Ali Pockley.

Wodonga names include ex-Liberal identity Glen Nicholls, Elaine Mann and doctors.

Mr Joyce said his vote could end years of Indi being a safe seat.

“Marginal seats will always attract more funding, always, and that’s not difficult to see this has been a safe Coalition seat for a long, long time and I think myself, and a lot of others, would be looking for better representation,” Cr Joyce said.

“I’m not speaking in derogative terms about the incumbent — that’s not what I’m about — I’m about supporting somebody who will represent us well and we’re all looking for better funding.”

Mr Jasper declined to comment for this article, as he would be expanding on his support in a press conference with Ms McGowan today.

Ms McGowan said she already knew most of the people who pledged their support in the ad and their support came as no surprise.

“The support I’ve got is right across the political spectrum,” she said.

“It absolutely shows what Voice for Indi is doing and what I’m trying to do has got community support.”

Indi MP Sophie Mirabella said voting independent was a mistake.

“Both Mr Rudd and Tony Abbott have made it clear that they will not be repeating the mistakes of Julia Gillard, in dealing with independents after the election,” she said.

“I’m offering the North East a strong voice for our fair share and a seat in the cabinet of an Abbott government.”