"... Didn't Cathy McGowan resign from the Nationals so as to contest as an Independent?"
McGowan has publicly acknowledged support from people including Tim Fisher and Ken Jasper; both of whom are well-known and well-respected NP stalwarts.
She is widely respected for her community service and well-known throughout Indi.
That aside; what is far more important is the stance she took throughout the election campaign on many policy issues; strong support for the NBN, addressing climate change, saving the Murray-Darling, marriage equality, ....
http://www.cathymcgowan.com.au/policies
That stance together with Ken Jasper's vocal support rang a chord with all sides of politics and explains her strong primary vote support and possible election in Indi.
