THE standard you walk past in the standard you accept.

It's a well known saying, a saying that has resonated with Warwick born-and-bred businesswoman Julia Keogh.

Ms Keogh announced her intention to stand as a councillor candidate at the Women of Warwick breakfast on Tuesday morning.

Describing herself as a "disruptive innovator" the community health worker said her standards included equality, diversity, transparency and respect.

"I believe the majority of people have the same ideals but sometimes we feel we don't have a strong enough voice or lack the expertise or professional qualifications to actually make that difference," she said.

"I care about our region, I care about our people, I care about our environment both social and physical, about our past, about our potential and about our future."

The quest for civil service is strong in the Keogh family, with Ms Keogh's father Bob missing out on a councillor role by 12 votes prior to amalgamation.

In her travels around the region, working as a community support facilitator, Ms Keogh has been hearing concerns and views from a wide sector of the community.

"I am aware that across our region there is a view that people feel a sense of apathy towards the current council," she said.

"I think it is more than that - I think that our community feels totally disempowered by and from their current elected leaders."

Expressing similar views to many of her fellow first-time candidates, Ms Keogh said she believed it was time for change.

"It is time to change to a local council that demonstrates true equality, diversity, transparency and respect," she said.

Community is very much at the heart of Ms Keogh's personality.

Not only is she a committee member of the Women of Warwick, she also co-founded the Business Network of Warwick and Community Network of Warwick last year.

She's also the president of the Warwick Collective, and a mastermind behind the Southern Downs Community Victory Garden.

Ms Keogh is also the president of the Warwick Justice of the Peace Branch and is part of the executive of the Warwick Chamber of Commerce.

In November, Ms Keogh was awarded the inaugural Downs Women in Business Community Dedication Award for her efforts.

Outside of her community obligations, the councillor candidate owns and operates a commercial cleaning business - ESN solutions.