RED hair, Western Bulldogs supporter and a woman – those factors might remind you of a certain politician.
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They also apply to university student Ashlee Fitzpatrick, who has decided to run for Wangaratta Council at the age of 18.
"I'm not the next Julia Gillard, even though I barrack for the Bulldogs and have red hair," Miss Fitzpatrick joked.
The recent Wangaratta youth mayor believes her age group should have a say on the senior council which has been replaced by administrators in recent years.
"I believe that youth need an advocate or a voice in the local community," Miss Fitzpatrick said.
"We're part of the population of Wangaratta and we don't have a young representative on Wangaratta Council."
The oldest of three siblings, Miss Fitzpatrick said the community contributions of her father, former Greta football coach Andrew Fitzpatrick, and grandfather Alan Fitzpatrick, had influenced her decision to stand.
A first-year student at La Trobe University, Wodonga, Miss Fitzpatrick said she was concerned about homelessness and mental health in Wangaratta and also wanted the council to improve its social media approach.
She is undaunted about the prospect of in all likelihood being the youngest candidate for election in the city.
"People have said 'you're so young, why would go on council?'," Miss Fitzpatrick said.
"I've said 'we're the future of Wangaratta, why wouldn't we go on now?'."
