Meet Heather Champion - the lead for the Greens in the council election

The Mittagong resident will lead the Southern Highlands Greens in the September council election, and planned to run in 2021.

She said the upcoming election was the perfect opportunity for the community to have a "complete refresh" and "a new kind of councillor".

"Now I think we have this great opportunity for a clean slate and to see a better place for women, younger people and families," she said.

"Younger people, women and parents with young kids have been almost totally unrepresented in our local government for far too long.

"This year we will finally have an opportunity to turn that around, and bring in some energy, optimism and fresh vision for the future."

The small business owner has a degree in psychology, has worked in digital publishing and international aid.

She focused on advocating for women's safety and economic equality, and has worked across Australia, Ireland and Bangladesh.

A local council was the closest level of government to the community she said, and it was key to work with them.

"Locals already have great ideas for positive change - we just need to work together," she said.

Priorities include sustainable and affordable housing, preserving the environment for future generations, giving people opportunities to connect and be included and making spaces in the region accessible for all.

Another focus was to ensure all towns and villages retained their physical characteristics and identities, she said.

Updates on policies and ways to contact Heather can be found via greensoncouncil.org.au/heather-champion, or Heather Champion - Greens for Wingecarribee on Facebook.