Cathy McGowan's unlikely victory over Liberal frontbencher Sophie Mirabella at last year's federal election might have been a one-off, the result of particular circumstances in the seat of Indi in Victoria's north-east.

But maybe not. In the tiny town of Oxley on Saturday, about 70 people inspired by the Indi campaign gathered to learn the nitty-gritty of how McGowan managed a 9 per cent swing against a supposedly safe incumbent. The first test may be Victoria's November election, where independents, disillusioned with major parties, are daring to dream of an Indi-style upset.

The IndiShares event in Oxley. Credit:Peter Merk

Bruce Argyle, Healesville small businessman and philanthropist, last week announced his candidacy in the new seat of Eildon, nominally a fairly safe Liberal electorate. Argyle is a former president of the Healesville Chamber of Commerce, owns B&Bs and runs Angus cattle and has never been a member of a political party.

''Indi inspired me because of what they were able to achieve against the odds, against a long-standing incumbent, and how they were able to achieve, starting from scratch.