THE race to fill Bendigo\u2019s vacant Lockwood ward council seat has gained another contender, with Ajay Mishra last week confirming his candidacy.<\/p>\n
Mr Mishra becomes the fifth candidate to throw their hat in the ring for the City of Greater Bendigo by-election, scheduled for March via postal vote.<\/p>\n
He joins former Lockwood councillor Vaughan Williams, Greens-endorsed Bendigo GP Robert Holian, former army major Mary-Ann Martinek and endurance rider Donna Nicholas in contesting the seat.<\/p>\n
A married father of two, Mr Mishra has lived in Bendigo for more than a decade, works across the IT and health sectors and is the president of the Y-Service Club Bendigo.<\/p>\n
He has also been involved with community organisations such as the Eaglehawk Community House, Bendigo Foodshare and the Bendigo Umpires Association.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy family and I love everything Bendigo has to offer,\u201d Mr Mishra said. \u201cMy campaign is a commitment to listening to all residents and actively responding to their needs.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said his focus is on improving local services, increasing affordable housing, growing the local economy and protecting the environment.<\/p>\n
\u201cI will work tirelessly to improve integrated transport and public spaces with safer footpaths, bike paths and public transport,\u201d Mr Mishra said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI will push with the council to host more events and festivals which promote our local arts, culture and businesses.<\/p>\n
\u201cI will advocate for genuine community partnerships with the council and work towards a safer community for all.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Mishra said the ward needed more consistent representation, citing a \u201cclear need\u201d to invest in the region\u2019s recreation precincts and changing facilities, and to \u201cdrive economic growth\u201d by supporting local business.<\/p>\n
\u201cI will bring fresh energy and a strong community-focused vision into decision-making, with a clear focus on the needs of Lockwood ward residents,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The by-election was triggered in November by the shock resignation of councillor John McIlrath, less than a year into his term. At the time, Mr McIlrath said the rapid growth of his business meant he could no longer balance his professional and council commitments.<\/p>\n
At the 2024 council elections, Mr McIlrath secured the seat with a clear majority in what was a two-candidate contest. He received 4753 votes, or 59.23 per cent of the vote, to his opponent Jay Brady\u2019s 3271 votes.<\/p>\n
Ballot packs for the by-election will be posted to ratepayers in March.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE race to fill Bendigo\u2019s vacant Lockwood ward council seat has gained another contender, with Ajay Mishra last week confirming his candidacy. Mr Mishra becomes the fifth candidate to throw their hat in the ring for the City of Greater Bendigo by-election, scheduled for March via postal vote. He joins former Lockwood councillor Vaughan Williams, […]<\/p>\n