State president Peter Schwarz said the election of 27-year-old Ms Ryan by the membership was a strong indication that the need for generational change was well understood and accepted by the party’s membership.

“Stephanie joins the new generation of Nationals that are firmly committed to building a better future for our regional communities," he said.

“She is passionate and committed and the people in the new Euroa electorate can rely on her to work tireless on their behalf."

Ms Ryan said she was honoured to be chosen by The Nationals’ members to contest the new seat of Euroa.

Ms Ryan was born in Murchison and went to school in regional Victoria and studied journalism in Melbourne.

For the past seven years she has worked in a range of key roles within The Nationals and the Victorian government and is currently a strategic policy adviser.

“I know how to get things done in government and deliver for the new electorate of Euroa," Ms Ryan said.

“I will bring fresh ideas to the Parliament and I have the energy and passion to deliver for the entire community.

"I look forward to meeting and talking with as many people as I can over the coming months."

The newly created seat of Euroa will take in Heathcote, Colbinabbin, Toolleen, Rushworth, Stanhope, Merrigum and Girgarre.

These towns currently form part of the Rodney electorate which is to be abolished at the November election.

Meanwhile, the Victorian Labor Party has preselected Bendigo MPs Jacinta Allan and Maree Edwards to contest the seats of Bendigo East and Bendigo West at the state election.

The pair said they were honoured to have the opportunity to continue to serve the central Victorian community. Greg Bickley has also lodged an application for preselection for the state seat of Bendigo East.