A flurry of last-minute candidates nominated for the Western District by-elections last week including contenders from the Australian Christians, Animal Justice, Democratic Labour and Australian Sex parties.

Sex Party Polwarth candidate Meredith Doig said one of the reasons she was running was to raise the profile of the libertarian group ahead of the 2016 federal election. Dr Doig is based in Melbourne but has links to the region through her work with Federation University.

Australian Christians Polwarth candidate Geoff Rogers said he was running as a flag flying exercise to provide an electoral option for religious voters. Mr Rogers is based in Werribee but was present for the by-election ballot draw last week.

Democratic Labour candidate Carmel Kavanagh is also based outside the Polwarth electorate but was born in Colac and grew up on a Yeodene dairy farm.