THE first Animal Justice Party member to be declared a councillor in Australia won't be taking an overly zealous attitude into her new job.
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Bright's Charlie Vincent made history last Thursday in being the political group's initial candidate to be elected to local government, after standing in Alpine Shire.
She was one of two successful Animal Justice members across Victoria, with Julie Sloan declared successful in a Greater Bendigo council ward on Friday.
"I'm very mindful I'm completely new to council and new to politics and I'm a big one for learning," Cr Vincent said.
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"I had a conversation with (past mayor and councillor) Ron Janas and he said he's excited about new faces coming on to council and that was good, but I'm keen to learn from the perspective of those there.
"I don't think there's any merit in me saying 'right you're going to go and do this' and throw the baby out with the bath water."
Cr Vincent moved from Adelaide to the region with her husband and children last year and joined the party at the end of 2019 because it aligned with her values.
"Although we're small, Alpine Shire, we can make a big difference if we conduct ourselves in a low impact, ethical way," she said.
Cr Vincent backs the council declaring a climate emergency and reducing pollution in the Ovens River.
She was surprised at her election success.
"I guess it's a reflection of a young generation coming through the region," Cr Vincent said.
"I would guess it (reflects) some new people that have moved into the region with young families and have a similar profile to myself and have the same views."
Victorian Animal Justice Party Upper House MP Andy Meddick lauded Cr Vincent as "highly intelligent and a real genuine caring person".
He said he would not be providing instructions to either of the party's councillors on issues they should pursue.
"It's not for me to dictate what policies these councillors take up or prosecute," Mr Meddick said.
The party wants brumbies rehomed, wild deer removed instead of hunted and horse racing, rodeos and circuses with animals banned.
Cr Vincent is one of three new women in their 30s elected to Alpine Shire, along with Katarina Chalwell, also from Bright, and Kelli Prime, of Upper Gundowring.
"I think it's fantastic," Cr Chalwell said of the make-up of the fresh councillors.
She added it showed women with young families could have their voices heard and achieve and be role models.
The born and bred Bright resident is a financial advisor and also works with her husband in a chainsaw and lawn-mowing business and at an op shop at Porepunkah two days a week.
"What I want to do is open up the communication channels between council and local residents because unless something really good or really bad happens you don't hear about council," Cr Chalwell said.
The council's first meeting is set for November 24.
