Nowra businessman Clive Brooks and Meroo Meadow marketing consultant Catherine Shields yesterday confirmed their ambitions for the federal seat.

They are expected to line up against Shoalhaven Deputy Mayor Andrew Guile, former Kiama councillor Ann Sudmalis and Ulladulla resident Grant Schultz at next month's preselection.

For Mr Brooks, 44, the race will be his first real taste of politics.

The Great Southern Motorcycles owner, who moved to Australia from Britain about eight years ago, said others had encouraged him to throw his hat in the ring.

"I've had a lot of people give me a call and say 'you should put your name in', so I thought 'why not, let's go for it'," he said.

"From my perspective it's not about a career path or choosing bigger or better things.

"For me, it's about being a local representative for the people of Gilmore."

Ms Shields, who lives at Meroo Meadow, said she had a long-running interest in politics.

However, as a new member of the Liberal Party, she said she was still waiting to hear if her nomination for preselection would be accepted.

Ms Sudmalis, who works as a staffer for Mrs Gash and is also undertaking a diploma of visual arts, said she would stand because she "identified very strongly with the people of Gilmore".

Mrs Gash recently announced her plans to retire after holding Gilmore for 16 years.