But the 14-weeks pregnant former deputy mayor decided it was important women were represented in the council chamber.

"I ended up just thinking there's many, many other women that have done this and this is not impossible with the right support," Cr Bennett said.

"If I wasn't such a raging feminist maybe it would be different."

Cr Bennett knew of women deciding it was "not the right time" to stand because COVID had left them home schooling or keeping their small business going.

"I had a feeling it would affect the number of women putting their hand up and we've seen that in Wodonga," she said.

That scenario made her more determined to return to the council.

However, Cr Bennett said having a baby boy in March meant she would not seek the mayoralty, which she had previously eyed off.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Past mayor John Watson and deputy mayor Brian Mitchell said on Sunday they would consider taking on the role which is being vacated by the retiring Anna Speedie.

Fresh candidates for election continue to emerge with retired high-up NSW police officer Rick Del Monte, video game tournament organiser Willem Manley and bushfire recovery co-ordinator Andrew Lees in the Wodonga contest.

Former Wangaratta mayor Irene Grant is standing again after leaving the council in 2005 and later becoming an administrator of the rural city after the city's elected officials were dismissed by the Victorian government.

Having been chair of the government's Ovens-Murray Regional Partnership, which involves North East councils, Ms Grant felt it was time to re-enter local politics.

"I do understand the need to work as part of a team, those skills I've certainly acquired in my time with the various committees and boards I've been part of," Ms Grant said.

Also nominating in Wangaratta is past councillor Julian Fidge who was part of the sacked council.

The GP has been endorsed by the Liberal Democrats but says he is running as an independent and hopes to use his business skills as part of assisting a COVID recovery.

In Indigo Shire, former councillors Peter Croucher and Emmerick Teissl are looking to return.

Mr Croucher, 69, who retired ahead of the 2016 election, said his comeback was driven by his belief that a voice for Kiewa-Tangambalanga was needed on the council.

He said he unsuccessfully sought others from his area willing to contend.

Nominations for Victorian councils close at midday on Tuesday.