The 54 year old isn't afraid of hard work or making a name in a traditionally male-oriented industry.

One of five sisters, she took over her father’s business at 23 after he passed away.

She “kept the wheels rolling” and 19 years ago turned it into a registered training organisation to teach safe driving skills to drivers of cars up to B-Double trucks. 

The September 9 election is her first foray into local government, but the passionate resident feels there is a mood for change.

“Certain people have been in council for too long,” she said. “I think we need a bit of a change and a bit of a change inside the council.” 

Ms Kovacevic said she was “sick of people making promises and not seeing then through” and wanted to deliver for local people.

She wants to ensure there are real upgrades to the main streets and is advocating for the installation of CCTV to deal with real and perceived security concerns. 

Improving the look and feel of the city centre and creating “peace of mind” are both designed to reactivate the CBD. 

Ms Kovacevic also wants to see this council deliver a cinema for Queanbeyan. 

“We want to see efficiency and to let the people have their say and get them more involved," she said. 

“That’s how the council can work, by knowing what the people of this town want. We’ve given a lot to this town and we are not getting enough back.”