Ms Hale officially launched her campaign over the weekend at the Bathurst Farmers' Market, which she attends on a monthly basis to promote her market garden business, 3 Veg Farm.

She said her campaign will largely consist of an environmentally-focused message, but will pivot her expertise in business and community to further engage with voters.

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"I care about this community, and I want to see the Bathurst region better prepared for a future of rising temperatures and reduced rainfall; it's of great concern to me, and we all need to commit to this," Ms Hale said.

"I'm a good listener, and have an ideal background in community and business, so I feel I can bring these people skills together to help find a consensus on the difficult issues affecting Bathurst."

Sustainable agriculture and water security will be two key points on Ms Hale's agenda, as well as a growth in respect for experts and their wealth of knowledge.

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"Every decision we make from now will affect the way this town operates in the future, and these need to be based on expert opinions," she said.

"I'm not saying I have the answers to all these questions, but we need to be consulting the experts regarding water security and sustainability, as these decisions will make a difference to our city now, in 10 years and in 50 years time."

Prior to 3 Veg Farm, Ms Hale managed the Bathurst Wholefood Co-Operative for 10 years [which she also helped establish] and saw around 200 volunteers come and go during her tenure.

She has also previously held roles at The Neighbourhood Centre, where she worked on a program to welcome migrants and refugees to Bathurst, and at Bathurst Regional Art Gallery [BRAG] as an artist and curator.

"I've lived in Bathurst for 25 years, I've raised three children here, and I've been heavily involved with the community throughout that time," Ms Hale said.

"Each of my roles have played a part in forging cohesive community networks and that's what I'm all about: bringing people together."

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Ms Hale's ticket includes four individuals who share her passion for a a sustainable local future: Catherine Cox, Dr Jim Blackwood, Roz Townsend, and Rohan Hale.

Ms Hale was the number two candidate on outgoing councillor John Fry's ticket when he was elected to council in 2017, but unlike Cr Fry, she will contest as an independent.

For more information, visit Ms Hale's campaign page on Facebook.

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