"I don't need to do anything for Parkes, look how active the Parkes Shire Council is," she said.

"It's a go-ahead town."

But she does intend on getting out and meeting with locals and Parkes businesses as soon as possible.

The candidate, along with NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Development John Barilaro, was in Parkes last Thursday for multiple announcements and events, including the National's Pollies in the Pub gathering at the Railway Hotel.

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Mrs Hazelton, who lives in Cudal, has always had a soft spot for Parkes, having been to the area regularly when her husband Richard worked as a grounds breaker.

"Parkes is a second home for me, I really love this area," she said.

"When the kids were younger, we used to have picnics in the park and go to the pool."

After the Nationals' former pre-selected candidate, Yvette Quinn from Parkes, resigned in October last year, voter confidence in the party has somewhat diminished.

"All I can do is be myself," Mrs Hazelton said about how she is going to win back Parkes residents' votes.

"I'm a mother, I'm a veteran, a nurse - I have a lot of experience behind me.

"I'll fight for the town."

She hasn't had a chance to chat to locals about issues affecting Parkes and its people yet, but it is the first on her list.

"I want to go door knocking, I want to talk to business owners...I really want to get around to talk to people," she said.

"I'm focused on mental health and disability services and issues because my son is disabled."

Mr Barilaro said they are going to need to put up a strong fight in the state election.

"This is a tough seat, we're not going to pretend," he said at the new Parkes Community Centre official opening.

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