The 42-year-old mother of three reflected on the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic for young people the same age as her sons, like difficulty finding work.

She identified employment as one of the key ways to retain younger people in the community.

Another was making sure young people had things to do in Greater Bendigo as they grew, "so they feel like their needs are being met along the way and they're not rushing to get out of here."

Not all communities in Greater Bendigo had easy access to resources for young people, Ms Stanislawski said.

"I'd really like to see a range of other resources that are built for purpose for teenagers."

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Ms Stanislawski is a first-time candidate for council, running in the Whipstick Ward.

"I'm standing because I feel I have more to offer to my local community," she said.

The Huntly resident has been sat on Bendigo council committees in the past.

She has also led the committees of the primary school and kindergarten her sons have attended.

Ms Stanislawski works as a project manager at Parks Victoria. She has previously worked for the North Central Catchment Management Authority.

"I've been involved in successful campaigns including fighting for an automated pedestrian crossing in Huntly, more footpaths across the area, and upgrades to local playgrounds," she said.

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She believed there were "significant improvements" the city could make when consulting and communicating during decision making - one of several candidates to raise the point.

Other key issues include waste management and responding to climate change.

Fellow Whipstick Ward candidates include Dave Fagg, Thomas Prince and Pauline Murtagh. Matthew Evans is running in Eppalock Ward.

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