Ultra-marginal Chisholm hopes for a milder ride, but scrabble for votes still intense

Both women wear black sneakers but take different approaches. Liu stands closest to the road and begins waving at people as soon as they begin their walk up the driveway, towards the gauntlet of volunteers standing outside the mid-century church.

Another woman tells Garland their families attend the same church. They launch into a discussion about the need for funding certainty for the ABC.

Meanwhile, a young Labor volunteer stands behind Liu.

Several voters stop to chat after recognising Liu, who has a high profile, particularly among Chinese voters in the electorate, which covers suburbs including Ashwood, Burwood, Box Hill, Glen Waverley, Mount Waverley and Wheelers Hill, as well as parts of Blackburn and Chadstone.

About 56% of people in the electorate were born overseas, including almost 13% from China, making it one of the most diverse in the country. Weekly wage and home ownership rates largely reflect the national average.

Liu was cleared of any role in creating them. But Garland says it remains a concern of voters.

But Liu says the voters she has spoken to are more optimistic.