John Bardsley, who was the first director of paediatrics at Wangaratta Base Hospital and has also worked in Yarrawonga, Benalla, Myrtleford, Mansfield and Maryborough, said he wants the “people of Benambra to have the opportunity to vote for the most progressive policies which will benefit them”.

Wangaratta resident Vicki Berry will be the party’s candidate for Ovens Valley, saying she was passionate about a range of issues, including “affordable housing, health, mental health, education, disabilities, transport, women, children and the environment”.

Lawyer Nicole Rowan, who has family ties in Rutherglen, is the Greens’ candidate for the upper house seat of Northern Victoria.