Former radio presenter and associate editor Terri Cowley is running for council this year.
Since 2008, she has lived in Kialla and is ready to represent the Kialla Ward.
“It's a great place to live with all its lakes, rivers and creeks,” Ms Cowley said.
“I think the new ward structure is a real opportunity ... to actually advocate for what kind of community we want to see in the future.”
More generally, she is excited to advocate for the future of Greater Shepparton.
“I do believe Greater Shepparton can have a great future, but that we have to work together to actually make that happen,” Ms Cowley said.
“I want to live in a city where our young people feel like they can stay if they’d like to, that the economic opportunities are here for them to get good jobs, there is appropriate housing, recreational outlets and even outlets for the arts.
“We don’t want to see this great skill drift out of our town that we constantly see, we want to give the next generation the opportunity to build a vibrant, inclusive, diverse city.”
Since moving to the town in 2008, she’s been involved in local groups and organisations and feels that being a council candidate is “a logical extension of that”.
“I think working from home, it can be a bit lonely if you just sit at home and you don't know anyone, so I really sort of said yes to every opportunity and then that led to a lot of volunteering,” she said.
“Local government is closest to the people, so you can actually have a really good impact on the community.”
In terms of local matters, Ms Cowley said her top issues were those most discussed around town.
“What people have been saying to me is really getting the basics of roads, rates and rubbish,” she said.
She said her favourite things about Greater Shepparton were the community and those within it.
“The diversity of the people and places and the diversity of the opportunities,” Ms Cowley said.
“It’s a place that has allowed me to really get involved in the community.”