Two Bendigo residents have announced their intent to stand as candidates for the City of Greater Bendigo council at this year's local government elections.
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Strahdale's Matthew Evans will stand in the Eppalock ward while Dave Fagg from Long Gully will stand in the Whipstick ward.
Local government elections will be held in October.
Mr Evans said his decision to stand came from wanting to take a more active part in helping shape Bendigo's future.
"It's something I have been thinking about it for quite while," he said. "I see the next four years as being very vital and council will help shape the future of our city and region.
"As someone who is young and looking to raise a family in Bendigo, I want to want to have a more active role on that and make sure we are on right path forward."
The 23-year-old works at Bendigo South East College, plays football at Golden Square Football Club and cricket the West Bendigo Cricket Club . Mr Evans said he hoped to encourage more communication and community consultation between residents and council.
"Council, on most things, have done a very good job," he said. "The criticism I have seen is about a lack of consultation and communication. Community consultation is one of strengths I can bring given my current profession.
"Whether people are for or against issues, it is important to engage a bit more. One thing council could do better is the way it communicates with the community and that is something I am happy to help do if elected."
Mr Fagg has been part of the Long Gully community since 2005 and has worked as a teacher, youth worker, and community worker in the Long Gully and Eaglehawk communities.
He decided to stand after considering it for a number of years.
"Things are right for me when comes to family considerations," he said. "(The last council elections) just wasn't the right time and it is something I have thought about for the last four or five years.
"I've been passionate about strengthening neighborhoods last 20 years."
Mr Fagg said he plans on hearing feedback from the community over the next two months of his campaign.
"The first part of my campaign is really about listening to the local community and setting up street stalls for people to come and speak with me and an online survey on my website," he said.
"I've been speaking with some key community people in the Whipstick (and communication) is a theme that comes up.
"People don't expect council to do exactly what (the community) want but they expect (council) to listen and keep them informed on whatever the project is."