He’s ready to represent the area, putting himself forward for the Yanha Gurtji Ward.
“I’ve been back here for about four years, but I’ve had a property in Shepparton for over 10,” Mr Johnson said.
“I have worked in Shepparton in the past, so I’ve been back and forth to Shepparton over a number of years.”
He said he wanted to run for council due to previous experience in the local government sector.
“I was a former elected councillor at the Hume City Council in the north-west of Melbourne,” Mr Johnson said.
“I believe that I can bring a different perspective to Greater Shepparton with the knowledge that I learnt as a councillor in that area.”
He said his professional experience would also be useful on council.
“I came back to Shepparton this time round, I am in the proactive policing community engagement team,” he said.
“I have the multicultural liaison portfolio, so I’ve built up a lot of strong networks not only in the multicultural communities, but across the board”
He said he wanted to stand in Yanha Gurtji as it was the ward he felt “most connected to”.
“I did some growing up around Deakin Reserve, which is in the ward, but also I went to school locally in Shepparton,” Mr Johnson said.
“I work in the ward, I follow sporting teams in the ward.
“I’ve done a lot work-wise and also volunteering in local schools, community groups, services.”
In terms of issues, he said there were multiple concerns at top of his priority list.
“You’re looking at cost of living, but also public transport, public transport links and housing,” he said.
“It's all about advocating to all forms of government on behalf of your community overall, but certainly on the council level, roads, road safety and the maintenance of our roads.
“But also not forgetting our greatest asset, which is our people, and I’d love to further support our wonderful community groups because that’s the fabric of your community.”
He highlighted that the community was what he loved about Shepparton.
“I certainly love this community and have been coming back over many years, but certainly the volunteers.
“It’s amazing how many people I’ve met in this town that have been prepared to do things in their own time.
“But also the diversity of Shepparton, it’s amazing.”
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