Emmersyn Rea has put her hand up to be a councillor in the upcoming elections.
As a fifth generation Sheppartonian, she has elected to stand for the Goulburn River Ward.
“I actually live in Kialla,” she said.
“One of the big issues that I’m facing is Toolamba, which is where I’m originally from, is a tough market to get into, so I’m hanging out, hoping to find a property so I can move back home and closer to my family.”
She said she was inspired to be the representation on council her town needed.
“I don’t consider myself a political person, but I’ve decided to run for council despite the challenges the ward system faces,” Miss Rea said.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for some genuine and local representation.
“I understand first-hand the challenges we face being the ... (smaller) communities of (Greater) Shepparton and I think it’s great to have a local voice seated at the table.”
She said she was a “stakeholder in the future of Greater Shepparton”.
“There’s no better way for me to get involved and see the positive and tangible changes than getting a seat at the table,” she said.
There are specific issues she wants to tackle if elected, including Murchison’s tip closure and the Lenne St upgrades in Mooroopna.
“We need someone local in at the table to follow up and push that forward and get it done in a prompt manner,” Miss Rea said.
“The people have been waiting too long now.”
She said Greater Shepparton was her home and she had no intention of leaving, making her a strong candidate to represent the area.
“I’ve lived away previously,” she said.
“I moved away when I went to uni, but I ended up coming back home.
“My family have all settled here, and I’m very family orientated, so I want to stay close to them, but I also think Shepparton is that nice rural feel while having a lot of urban infrastructure and facilities that we can utilise.”