Ms Hennessy edged out Hobsons Bay councillor Luba Grigorovitch, who withdrew her nomination.

The 37-year-old former lawyer and West Footscray resident went on a meet and greet with Mr Brumby around the streets of Altona last Thursday afternoon as she launched her campaign.

The pair were greeted warmly as they chatted with shoppers and diners along Pier Street, and even posed for photos with several eager supporters.

Ms Hennessy, who sits on the board of Western Health, has also received support from former premiers Steve Bracks and Joan Kirner as well as the woman she seeks to replace, Lynne Kosky, who resigned from the seat last month citing family reasons.

The ALP holds Altona by 20.3per cent. Voters in the electorate - which includes Altona, Altona Meadows, Laverton North and Point Cook and Hoppers Crossing - head to the polls on February 13.

Ms Hennessy said she believed her party was better able to cater for the needs of "working families".

"You just have to look at our record securing and protecting jobs in the west," she said.

"If elected, my role will be to deliver services to this electorate and provide the people of Altona with a voice in government."

Despite the ongoing problems with public transport and law and order, Mr Brumby insisted there was "a good story to tell" in the electorate.

"It's a very different story to the '90s when there was double-digit unemployment in this area and schools were being closed down."

Eight candidates are vying for the seat of Altona following the close of nominations last Thursday, including David Strangward (Greens), Margarita Windisch (Socialist Alliance), Mark Rose (Liberal) and independents Brijender Nain, Liz Mumby, Andrew Rixon and Brian Shaw.

Early voting centres are open until February 12 at Sanctuary Lakes shopping centre, Point Cook and the Victorian Electoral Commission at Level 9, 505 Little Collins Street, Melbourne. Residents unable to vote early can apply for a postal vote before February 9. Postal voting closes at 6pm on February 11.

Details: VEC website here or 1300 551 575.