He has spent the past 22 years owning and operating hospitality businesses and, with his wife Sharee, has raised his three children in the area.
This experience provided him the opportunity to listen to locals about what matters to them.
Mr Lethlean is running to achieve better treatment for regional Australians, looking to fight for support and services.
He believes the cost-of-living crisis is a key concern across the electorate, including groceries, rent, mortgage repayments and energy bills.
The Nationals have pledged relief including halving the fuel excise, taking 25 cents off per litre, as well as a $1200 tax offset.
Another concern Mr Lethlean identifies is community safety and crime.
He feels that while Rochester residents have shown incredible resilience, they are frustrated by slow recovery efforts and infrastructure waiting on urgent repairs.
He said communities like Rochester and Elmore needed action, rather than what he saw as excuses.
If elected, Mr Lethlean said he would work with Campaspe Shire Council on its advocacy priorities, working with council and the community to invest in flood recovery, road repairs and mitigation measures.
He reiterated the Coalition’s $4 million Rochester Recreation Reserve upgrade commitments.
More broadly, Mr Lethlean said his party was the only one to solely represent the regions and he would look to take this voice to Canberra.
He aims to advocate for a fair share of national funding, including through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure and Building Better Regions funds.
To address concerns faced by the region, Mr Lethlean wants to see solutions like more regional training pathways for doctors and nurses, housing development and local business growth to create jobs.
If elected, he will work with local organisations for Bendigo-specific solutions, rather than policies he feels are written for the cities.
Mr Lethlean said he has visited nearly every town in the electorate and would continue to listen if elected.
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