Wodonga Council candidate Rupinder Kaur hopes to be a voice for youth and multicultural groups

Rupinder Kaur, who was announced in July as the Greens candidate for the council elections, was the 2019 Wodonga Citizen of the Year and chairs the Albury-Wodonga Ethnic Communities Council.

A youth council, opening up councillor briefing sessions to the public and council carbon neutrality by 2030 are among Mrs Kaur's goals.

"Enabling the youth of Wodonga with their voice and to provide them with a platform such as youth council will give them the strength to take part in future projects," she said.

Wodonga Council involves youth in project-based committees such as the Red Carpet Youth Awards, but does not have a formal Youth Council like Albury.

Ms Kaur said as the city grows, consultation with youth and diverse communities would be key.

"So far I've been having a really good response [to standing], especially from multicultural communities," she said.

"I have first-hand experience on the issues that are still at large in Wodonga, related to multicultural communities ... as a result, a lot of the members of multicultural communities feel isolated and disadvantaged.

"I want to be a strong voice to raise those culturally-sensitive issues.

"I believe now is the time to plan and implement stronger strategies to best handle the times ahead of us.

"As diversity grows - and it will grow - it will require continuous changes to ensure the diverse community of Wodonga is equally supported."

Mrs Kaur was born and raised in India and moved to Wodonga in 2007; in 2013, she received her citizenship.

In 2017, she received a bravery award from Leadership Victoria for her family violence advocacy and now works in disability support.

"There are so many challenges the I had to overcome as a migrant woman ... I have made a promise to myself to stand up for the safety of myself and others who are going through the hardships of violence," she said.

"I've had so many phone calls [during COVID-19].

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"Women are at home and partners are now working from home. And there are some women who can't speak English very well, they don't know where to get help.

"We've been translating information, helping to take people to doctor appointments ... making sure people need to know what their rights are.

"That's what I want to focus on in council, making sure people are being heard.

"I feel honoured to call Wodonga my home."

Candidates will nominate with the Victorian Electoral Commission between next Thursday and September 22.

Ballot packs will be distributed by post early in October.