At press time, 11am, there had been eight nominations.

In Creswick Ward, where there are now two vacancies, four candidates have put up their hands.

They included: Creswick Ward councillor Janine Booth; Cr David Smith, who is currently Birch Ward's councillor; president of Creswick and District Development Association and owner of Tumblers Green Mark Shalless; and Don Henderson.

In her page on the council's website, Cr Booth said she wanted to "foster strong links between council and the community and to work together as a team for the betterment of Hepburn Shire".

Cr Smith, a keen plougher who has competed internationally, said he "strongly believes that the road-works budget must be increased to improve the safety on our shire roads and will be working to encourage new businesses to operate within our shire and employ local people".

Mr Henderson, a former Building Workers' Union representative, now semi-retired and working with an innovative footpath construction company, said he was "not so happy" with the culture of Hepburn Shire Council.

Mr Shalless, who was recently elected to the Hepburn Regional Tourism Association committee, could not be contacted before going to press.

There is one vacancy in Cameron Ward.

Mayor Tim Hayes has put his hand up for a second term in the ward and Ian Baker has also nominated.

Cr Hayes has said he would like "to see more resources devoted to the maintenance of our road network and a more equitable distribution of our financial and human resources in upgrading the appearance of all towns and villages in the shire".

Mr Baker said he had "owned and operated" a second-hand store in Clunes "right next to Tim (Hayes)" for the past seven years.

In Birch Ward, with Cr Smith nominating for Creswick Ward, there are two vacancies.

Daylesford and Trentham general practitioner Jon Barrell and wine seller Gabriel Horvat are both vying for the position.

Dr Barrell said earlier this month he believed he could bring "good governance" to the council table.

Mr Horvat, a former councillor and mayor with the Pyrenees Shire and now owner of Daylesford business WINE Is A 4 Letter Word, said a number of people had asked him to nominate.

At the time of going to press, no one had nominated in either Coliban Ward, where Cr Heather Mutimer has signalled her intention to retire, or Holcombe Ward, although Cr Bill McClenaghan had said he would stand again.

For the final list go to www.vec.vic.gov.au

Voting in the shire is by post and closes on Friday, November 28, at 6pm.