But it's on the first topic that the independent brings the most knowledge, and why she is so passionate about the development of a National Rural Health strategy that goes further than the current government's initiatives.

"There needs to be a strong, integrated rural health plan, much broader than increasing the number of doctors," Dr Haines said.

"The Rural Doctors Association are quick to point out we need more allied health professionals on the ground.

"People talk about incredible pressure on mental health services and the burnout of clinicians.

"People are experiencing wait times to see a psychologist, and significant out-of-pocket expenses in trying to access some services."

Dr Haines said urgent care centres in Benalla and Mansfield for non-emergency cases needed more funding.

"At Mansfield, when the doctor comes in, they need to charge the patient for the service and some bulk-bill, but most don't," she said.

"The medicare rebate has been frozen for some years now and there's insufficient dollars in that to cover the doctor's expense.

"The gap fee can range from $70 to $90 and that's a problem because if you went to Wodonga, Wangaratta, or Melbourne, you wouldn't have to pay."

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A dedicated rural focus for the Medical Research Future Fund, as "only two per cent of research funding is spent on rural research projects", and investment in telehealth are among other health priorities for the independent.

Aged care is also a key area of concern and Dr Haines is committed to introducing a private member's bill to legislate maximum waiting times between assessment and delivery of a home care package.

She said projects such as the 20-bed mental health rehabilitation unit at Wodonga Hospital announced by Victorian Liberal Senator Jane Hume in March had to be backed up with proper planning and delivery.

"It's critical with health services that the community is there front and centre, and so is the state government, as ultimately they have to fund ongoing services," she said.

"It's one thing to get a building, it's a whole other thing to have a fully-functioning, integrated mental health service."

It's through the rural, orange-laden shopfronts across Indi that Dr Haines has identified some of the gaps in the health system, and it's hoped that this engagement will be what gets her across the line on Saturday.

Throughout the campaign, volunteers have crafted and delivered merchandise, including 410 cockatoo brooches and 610 large orange cockatoos made (from recycled corflutes from the last election).

"The 13 hubs are central points and volunteers have been undertaking formal conversations and recording information to find out what the key issues are," Dr Haines said.

"Health is part of a bigger issue, about making sure that it shouldn't matter where you live, you should be able to access the services you need."