Shire of Harvey president Tania Jackson has stepped up to the plate ahead of this weekend's Local Government Elections.
Following stints as a florist and a graphic artist, Ms Jackson took time off work to raise her family.
She then spent 11 years as the manager of Volunteer South West.
Ms Jackson helped to form the Leschenault Progress Association, before being approached to run for council.
First elected to council in 1997, she has supported the shire and its residents throughout the past 22 years.
Ms Jackson and her fellow councillors assisted the citizens of Yarloop before, during, and after the devastating bushfires back in 2016.
She said council, the shire, and the community have changed considerably over that time.
"Between then and now, I have seen the Shire of Harvey transform into a really well-developed area," she said.
"We have created many facilities that meet the community's needs."
Nowadays, the shire president represents the Bunbury Geographe Sub-regional Planning Strategy group, Bunbury Geographe Economic Alliance, Peron Naturaliste Partnership, Harvey Senior High School Board, and St John Ambulance.
Ms Jackson is also president of the Harvey District Tourist Bureau and Harvey Art Society.
If re-elected, she will strive to further assist the region's residents, businesses, and community organisations.
"As a shire, we need to maintain a balance between lifestyle, environment, and development," she said.
"I believe we are on the brink of a really interesting era, economically.
"There is still plenty of work do, and I believe I still have a lot to offer."
Ms Jackson commended the other candidates for voicing their concerns and for putting themselves out there.
"If you want to make change, you have to work as part of a team," she said.
"Let's all work together."
Community members can cast their votes between now and 6pm on Saturday, October 19.
The results of this year's Harvey Shire Council election will be revealed later that same evening.
Visit harvey.wa.gov.au/elections/ or elections.wa.gov.au/elections/local for more information about the other candidates and the Local Government Elections.
What changes would you like to see for the Shire of Harvey? Email editor.bunburymail@fairfaxmedia.com.au to have your say.
