Warrnambool will have its own version of the Melbourne Cup in October, with 24 candidates vying for a spot on the city council.
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Ben Blain, the vice president of the Warrnambool Ratepayers Association, received top spot on the ballot and said he was "stoked".
"I'm hoping this will be the start of a change for Warrnambool," Mr Blain said.
"It's a big field and it's going to be tough going but it's good to see so many great quality candidates have put their hand up."
If elected, Mr Blain wants to push for the council to offer financial relief for Warrnambool business owners and ratepayers.
"Every other council around us seems to be able to freeze rates and offer relief to everyone. Why can't we?"
Mr Blain said he would also push for a safe harbour for the city and he also wants the council to stop breaking the rate cap.
Other items on his agenda include rebuilding the council's reputation and providing a more open and transparent arena at meetings and allow residents to have their say.
He also wants the council to maintain its weekly general waste collection and free timed parking in the CBD.
Jacinta Anderson is named second on the ballot after Mr Blain.
Her top priority is to protect the city she calls home.
Also in the running are councillors Sue Cassidy, David Owen, Michael Neoh, Kylie Gaston and Peter Sycopoulis.
The other candidates include Jim Burke, Tracey Togni, Debbie Arnott, Michael McCluskey, Angie Paspaliaris, Bruce Campbell, Steve Moore, Richard Ziegeler, Anthony Earnshaw, Thomas Campbell, Cassandra Prigg, Vicki Jellie, Max Taylor, Matthew Walsh, Lynn Hudson, Andrew Squires and Otha Akoch.
Warrnambool City Council election will be conducted by post.
Voters will receive a ballot pack in early October.
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