Addressing a breakfast gathering of the business and volunteering communities at the Batemans Bay Soldiers Club on Thursday, the deputy leader of the Liberal Party gave Ms Sudmalis a ringing endorsement, describing her as a “fighter”.

“She is a great friend, a great advocate and a great champion for your interests,” Ms Bishop told the audience.

Launching her tour of the southern parts of the newly redistributed seat, Ms Bishop’s address touched on the defence industry, the free trade agreement, the push for a building industry watchdog and the need to rein in the financial services and banking sectors.

The public backing could not have come soon enough for Ms Sudmalis, who has been under pressure within the party to retain her candidacy.

Ms Sudmalis faces a crucial party vote next month to retain the right to defend the seat at the federal election, likely to be in July.

Ms Bishop made her support clear.

“I am delighted to be here, particularly because I know Ann to be such a strong advocate for the electorate of Gilmore and seeing the work she has done for the electorate over a number of years,” Ms Bishop said.

“With the redistribution, I know she will be a champion for Batemans Bay, I know that she will look out for your interests and I know that she will raise your concerns in Canberra in the Party Room and the in Parliament. 

“She is a fighter and she delivers, so I was very pleased to be here with Ann as we move into the election which will take place in July this year.”

Several guests filing into the breakfast meeting said they were there to meet Ms Sudmalis in the wake of the redistribution, which included the northern tip of the former seat of Eden-Monaro in Gilmore.

Ms Sudmalis, a former science teacher and businesswoman, said the Foreign Minister was “a very, very special person in my life who has been an amazing mentor and colleague”.

Guests included Eurobodalla Shire Mayor Lindsay Brown, Councillor Liz Innes, Bay Push disability campaigners Charles Stuart, Sharon Piert and Geoff Fielding, Bega MP Andrew Constance and businessman Adam Pike.

More details of the addresses of Ms Bishop and Ms Sudmalis and questions from the floor online soon.

Ms Bishop will visit Moruya Airport on Thursday morning, before making a Stronger Communities Programme announcement at Batehaven.