Preselected candidate Sami Hisheh is confident a grassroots campaign, doorknocking and meeting residents can provide a 5.42 per cent swing to topple lower house Liberal MP Tony Smith.

Despite losing the 2008 Yarra Ranges Council election for the Chirnside Ward, Mr Hisheh is committed to providing bountiful job opportunities and a strong economy in the electorate and Australia-wide.

"The Rudd Government took decisive action to keep the economy strong and support jobs and small businesses during the global economic recession.

"I understand the joys and pressures of running a small business and, like many of my neighbours, have experienced the good times and the bad."

Mr Hisheh has been heavily involved with a range of community and sporting organisations in Mooroolbark, Montrose, Mt Evelyn and Chirnside Park.

His involvement extends to Mooroolbark Junior Soccer Club and Bimbadeen Heights Primary School, where he helped deliver a $700,000 multipurpose building project completed in 2005.

"I'm committed to the continued delivery of Kevin Rudd's infrastructure programs for schools, hospitals and roads. I will work with the Government to secure economic opportunities and jobs for our area."