Nationals Announce Candidate for Cessnock 

The NSW Nationals announced today that Ash Barnham has been preselected to contest the seat of Cessnock at the March 25 General Election. 

Mr Barnham is a retail worker and business student at the University of Newcastle. 

He grew up in a small business and farming family and has worked multiple jobs across the community from stocking shelves and delivering to doorsteps, to working in sales. He knows the value of hard work. 

“I spent most of my high school years working in our family stores, talking to farmers, tradies, and nurses. I delivered uniforms to schools, hospitals, and aged care and I’ve seen first-hand what they do for our community,” Mr Barnham said. 

“We deserve world class health care, safer roads, and great educational outcomes. The Hunter contributes so much to the NSW economy through local industry, but poor representation has led to our community being abandoned. I know how to work hard, I have experience working across the community, and I’m ready to work for the people of Cessnock.” 

Mr Barnham said the electorate of Cessnock needs a local MP who will represent its interests in Parliament. 

“Workers in the Cessnock region are being taken for granted by a local member who is more focused on city-issues than he is on battling for our needs. We need a Member of Parliament who can put our people first, who can fight to fix our roads, and deliver better services,” Mr Barnham said. 

“I’m standing up for Cessnock because we deserve our fair share. Our community has been forgotten about for too long.” 

Deputy Premier and Nationals’ leader Paul Toole has welcomed the preselection result. 

“Ash is a hard working Young National, and he has wasted no time getting around the Cessnock electorate. I look forward to joining him on the campaign trail as we talk to locals about what the Nats can deliver for Cessnock,” Mr Toole said.