With only a few months until the September 8 NSW local government elections, the NSW Country Mayors Association is urging community-minded individuals to consider stepping forward and nominating to become a Councillor on their local council.
Already, members of the community are putting their hands up for the role, as can be seen by the profiles on this page.
The Association’s Chairman, Gunnedah Mayor Adam Marshall, said being a Councillor provided an excellent opportunity to make a difference in your local community.
“If you care about what happens in your community, want to improve a local park, develop better and safer roads or support the growth of local business, then being a Councillor is for you,” Cr Marshall said.
“Becoming a local Councillor is a great way to play a leading role in setting the future direction for your area and making the important decisions that affect people’s daily lives.
“It’s a time-consuming and sometimes difficult role but one that’s extremely rewarding, satisfying and of critical importance.
“I would like to see many quality candidates, from a broad range of ages and backgrounds, stand for election across NSW in September — it’s important that our local councils reflect the diversity within our communities.”
Cr Marshall said potential candidates needn’t have any special qualifications before nominating.
“If you are passionate about your local community, then you already have the most important attribute of a Councillor. You will receive education and guidance through council training programs and there’s always other experienced Councillors and staff around who are willing to assist,” he said.
Cr Marshall said candidate information seminars had been organised by the NSW Electoral Funding Authority across the State.
“To find out the details of seminars in your community and to registers, visit the Electoral Funding Authority’s website www.efa.nsw.gov.au or speak to your local council and current or former councillors,” Cr Marshall said.
“The NSW Division of Local Government (www.dlg.nsw.gov.au) has also prepared a publication, ‘Becoming a Councillor’, which gives an overview of local government in NSW, the role of a Councillor, what support is available for Councillors and how to nominate as a candidate for the upcoming elections.”
