Mount Gambier has a direct link to an independent candidate for the Legislative Council at the upcoming State Election.

Well-known Mount Gambier chef Kirby Shearing’s father Colin is standing for the Upper House.

Mr Shearing said he was a proud and parochial South Australian, dedicated to supporting and fostering the interests of SA’s small business community.

“My family heritage and connection to South Australia is steeped in a rich history of our state’s small business community,” he said.

“Small business attracts big business.

“Parochialism runs in my DNA, which cannot be underestimated.

“It is the preservation of this heritage and history, that drives and motivates my running for the Legislative Council in Parliament South Australia, driving a platform of standing up for SA’s small businesses – the engine-room of our state’s economy.

“The price of ‘defending local business’ and the hundreds of thousands of South Australians they employ is worth fighting for. We need a strong voice in Parliament for SA’s small business community.”

Mr Shearing has more than 50 years of experience within the SA retail Industry, including the vocational education training sector.

His resume includes SA Independent Retailers chief executive, VEMS Pty Ltd managing director, ‘Buy Back Australia’ director, a former director at Service Skills SA and Hockey SA, as well as SA Retailers Association former and outgoing president.