2020 Bendigo council elections: Vyonne McLelland-Howe running in Lockwood Ward

Now, she's vying for a seat at the council table.

The Quarry Hill resident, 66, is running to represent the Lockwood Ward after the October council elections.

This is her first council campaign.

Ms McLelland-Howe credited her experiences protesting the "cumbersome" nature strip planning process and fees with inspiring her bid.

"You can really make a difference by getting your voice to the council table," she said.

She realised she could be a voice for the community if elected.

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Responding to climate change, COVID-19 and social justice issues will be at the heart of her campaign.

Ms McLelland-Howe also recognised jobs as one of the priorities for people in the Lockwood community, given the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said councils had a role in advocacy.

Ms McLelland-Howe was also keen to review and revise council policies, some of which she believed were "ineffective".

Policies involving the environment, emergency management, wildlife, and urban growth were of particular interest.

"I do believe there's always a way to negotiate for the best for both job creation and the environment," Ms McLelland-Howe said.

As a lawyer, she said she was used to ploughing through policy documents.

Other commitments include volunteering for the Wildlife Rescue and Information Network, or WRIN.

Ms McLelland-Howe is a member of the local branch of the Australian Conservation Foundation.

She is also a warden at St Paul's Cathedral, and part of its choir.

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Ms McLelland-Howe is president of the Climate Crisis Policy Party.

"It's an incorporated association, but not registered as a political party as yet in Australia," she said.

She said she wouldn't be standing, at this stage, for any federal or state elections.

"With going for local government, I would put my political side aside," Ms McLelland-Howe said.

"I want to be more impartial in that regard."

She said her motivation was to represent the Lockwood Ward and Greater Bendigo residents.

"At the end of the day the thing I really want to do is hear the community and take their voices to the table," Ms McLelland-Howe said.

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