Rowan Farren is involved in many local groups and initiatives, but now he’s ready to run for council.
In October, Mr Farren will be running in the Greater Shepparton City Council election in the Goulburn River Ward.
A current resident of south Mooroopna, and a Greater Shepparton resident his whole life, he said he felt strongly about supporting the regions.
“I think that with our current system, they (regions) have gone under-supported for a while,” Mr Farren said.
“I fundamentally believe that the area deserves a better voice.”
His love for Greater Shepparton inspired him to stand.
“I believe in our region and our community, I believe that there’s a lot of potential and I believe that with a strong active voice and who is willing to work across local state and federal government, we can actually achieve a lot for our region,” he said.
“I also believe that we need to do better to make sure we have a better today as well as tomorrow.”
Aged 20, Mr Farren is one of the youngest candidates. He graduated high school in 2022, but unlike a lot of his cohort, he has stuck around.
“I think it’s actually quite a nuanced experience,” he said.
“I did move to Melbourne for about three months but it quickly made me appreciate the value and the opportunity that regional communities have and the connection that helps build out our community.
“We need to make sure that different people, young people, people of all different demographics, are able to get in (to politics) and represent their communities.”
His campaign will not be a “one-issue councillor” type, he said; his goal was to listen and give back.
“I’m all about listening to the community, whether that’s the business community, the volunteer community or anyone else, I want to hear the issues that they’re facing,” Mr Farren said.
“Making sure that you understand the issue before you make a decision as a council, that’s the most important thing.”