Potential candidates considering running for a councilor position in the September's council elections are encouraged to attend a series of information sessions being conducted by the NSW Electoral Commission and Leeton Shire Council.
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After a year long delay in these elections due to COVID-19, the next term will be three years instead of four. There is currently no specific requirements or qualifications necessary to run for council, just a desire to serve the Leeton Shire.
However, candidates will receive training, support, expenses and fees if successfully elected. Women and individuals from diverse and multicultural backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply.
On June 10 and June 15, the NSW Electoral Commission will be holding information webinars with general information relating to the election process at 11am and 6pm. Registrations for these webinars can be made here.
Leeton Shire Council will also be hosting two candidate information sessions in coming weeks on June 27 between 2pm and 4pm and on July 1 between 6pm and 8pm at = the council chambers.
These sessions will cover a range of topics including:
- The electoral process
- Support available to assist the mayor and other councilors in their roles
- Key elements of council meetings, including the code of conduct, code of meeting practice and conflicts of interest
- Legal and ethical responsibilities of the mayor and councilors
- Roles, responsibilities and expectations of a mayor and councilors
- Knowledge, skills, personal attributes and time commitment needed to be a councilor
Council's governance and engagement executive manager Kerrie-Anne Hare said that these events would be of great assistance to potential candidates.
"The more information you have, the better. These sessions will help you get prepared for the election and what it means to be a councillor," Mrs Hare said.
"I would like to really encourage prospective candidates to come along and take part."
Another event will be held on June 19 by the Australian Local Government Women's Association (ALGWA) who are hosting a forum held at Council Chambers between 2pm and 4pm for women considering running for election.
According to the NSW Office of Local Government, women represent less than a third of all councilors and mayors serving on the 128 councils in NSW.
The nominations online management system will become available to prospective candidates on Monday June 28 and will close on Wednesday August 4 at midday.
More information about the 2021 NSW Local Government Elections key dates can be found here.
