The National Party has chosen a female candidate for Mallee

The party has also opened nominations for the Federal seat of Indi, currently held by independent Cathy McGowan, who will also step down at the next election.

Mildura’s Dr Anne Webster, the founder of  community group Zoe Support, was selected from a field of six candidates at a weekend meeting, in Birchip.

"I'm honored to be chosen to represent our party at the next election," Dr Webster said.

Its the first time the party has chosen a woman to stand for the seat.

About 200 members chose Dr Webster, over three rounds of voting.

Sitting MP Andrew Broad has decided not to stand again at this year’s Federal election, following following allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

Mr Broad said after recent media stories about his private life, it was clear the people of Mallee would be best served by a different Nationals candidate. 

A woman, reported to be 20 years younger than Mr Broad, reportedly met with the married MP her after a month of correspondence that began through a dating website, during a taxpayer-funded trip to Hong Kong.

Dr Webster is based in Mildura.

She worked for a range of community organisations, including Mallee Family Care and Mallee Support and Accommodation Program, before founding Zoe Support to help young disadvantaged mothers and their families in Mildura.

Dr Webster studied a Bachelor of Sociology and History and a Bachelor of Social Work Honours at Latrobe University in Mildura, before completing her PhD at Australian National University.

"I will continue to be a strong advocate for my community and I am excited to take up the fight for the people of regional Victoria.

"I'm looking forward to talking to as many people as possible in Mallee over the next few months."

The Nationals Victoria Acting President Sheridan Bond said the quality of all six candidates demonstrates the strength of The Nationals.

"All candidates should be congratulated for putting their hands up,” he said.

"Anne Webster will be an outstanding candidate and will continue to maintain a strong voice for the region."

And the party has also called for nominations for the seat of Indi.

"The Nationals are the most democratic, grassroots party in Australia,” Victorian director Matthew Harris said.

“Every eligible local member will get their chance to select our candidate.

"Unlike the Voices for Indi Political Party, with their opaque preselection process, where the community didn't even know who the candidates were, The Nationals have always believed in genuine, transparent, on the ground democracy."

Rural health researcher Helen Haines will stand as an independent for Indi, after being chosen by supporters of Ms McGowan to succeed her when she retires.

National Party nominations open today and close at 5pm on Friday, February 1.

Should more than one candidate nominate, a preselection will be held on Saturday, 16 February.