Independent Hume candidate Penny Ackery loses husband to illness

John Steel passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, April 12 from cancer. He was sixty.

READ MORE: Goulburn's Penny Ackery kicks off independent campaign for Hume

Ms Ackery said his death was sudden but followed the return of an aggressive cancer in December.

"He was my strongest supporter, and he'd made it plain that I should continue to run in this election," she posted on her election Facebook page.

Ms Ackery told The Post that she wouldn't have stood for Hume if she'd known the seriousness of her husband's illness earlier.

"People have been amazingly supportive. I've had phone calls and messages from people all over Australia and it's been very comforting," she said.

"It's not an easy time but the campaign gives me something to do and will focus me."

ALSO READ:

Edward was 20 when he died at Gallipoli, now he and nine other Goulburn heroes have finally been found

Roo cements enduring mark in nation's country music industry

Old orphanage still stands despite council demolition order

The couple had been together for 27 years and married in 2006.

His funeral will be held on Friday. Consequently, Ms Ackery will not be attending the ballot draw on that day.

The draw will determine the order of candidates for the Hume poll. Nominations for candidates close at midday Thursday, April 21.

Ms Ackery is so far vying with sitting Liberal Angus Taylor, Greens candidate Karen Stewart, Labor's Greg Baines, United Australia Party's Garry Dollin, Independent Sheneli Dona, One Nation's Rebecca Thompson and Joaquim De Lima, representing the Liberal Democrats.

The election will be held on Saturday, May 21.

We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here for the Highlands and here for the Tablelands. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.