Axedale resident Yvonne Wrigglesworth announced her candidacy for Eppalock Ward this week, joining Eaglehawk's George Flack and one other as the first individuals to nominate in the election.

The nominations have come in 16 months before the vote.

Ms Wrigglesworth is the president of Axedale Our Town - Our Future, a board director of the Bendigo Volunteer Resource Centre and board member of the Strathfieldsaye and District Community Enterprise.

She said she wanted to take the next step into local government to provide greater support to communities to Bendigo's east and southeast.

"I'm very keen to ensure places like Heathcote feel included as part of the City of Greater Bendigo, these communities want to be heard," Ms Wrigglesworth said.

"I live smack bang in the middle of the ward, but I also work in the Bendigo CBD so I think that gives me a unique understanding of the part these towns play in our council."

Councillors Rod Campbell, Mark Weragoda and Helen Leach represent Eppalock Ward on the council.

Heathcote has recently confirmed funding for a major upgrade of Barrack Reserve, while items in the town plans of Axedale, Redesdale and other smaller communities continue to be ticked off by council.

Ms Wrigglesworth said she was supportive of councils using rates to fund necessary projects and was "somewhere in the middle" in regards to rate capping.

She said she would remain active in her various community roles in the lead up to the poll on October 19 next year.

"I will continue to be extremely active, but I also want to get to know as many new groups as I can," Ms Wrigglesworth said.

"Any group can contact me and I'll be happy to go along to any meetings."