For those thinking about putting their hand up as a candidate at the September local government election, Hilltops Council is hosting an information session on what’s involved in being a councillor. Council General Manager Anthony McMahon said the session – to be held at 5.30pm on Monday 17 July, 2017 – is designed to help attendees gain a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of an elected member of council.
“Attendance is free and is open to anyone who is interested in nominating as a candidate at the election later this year,” Mr McMahon said. “A representative from Local Government NSW (LGNSW) will present on a range of topics including the challenges of being a councillor, council meeting procedures and rules of debate, local government ‘jargon’ and managing conflicts of interest.
“There will also be information on the importance of speaking out on key issues and how to do this confidently, as well as a discussion on how important it is to have diverse representation at a local government level,” he said. Mr McMahon said there will also be specific information provided on the Hilltops LGA. “In addition to the material provided by LGNSW, Council will be preparing information that’s specific to the Hilltops region to ensure candidates are as well- informed as possible about what it means to be a councillor in our area,”
Mr McMahon said. “It’s hoped that by the end of the approximately two hour-long session, attendees will have satisfied any questions they may have about what’s involved in being a councillor, and what the key requirements and expectations of the role are. “I strongly encourage both potential candidates standing for the first time, and former councillors considering standing again to attend as there are several changes to the Local Government Act that have occurred over the past 12 months relevant to councillors that will be highlighted” he said.
Nominations for the inaugural Hilltops Council election open on Monday 31 July, 2017 and close on Wednesday 9 August, 2017. Further information on how to nominate is available at
www.votensw.info Local Government NSW is the peak organisation representing the interests of NSW general purpose councils. More information on LGNSW can be found at: www.lgnsw.org.au Councillor briefing: 5.30pm, Monday 17 July, 2017 at the Young Town Hall. Attendees should RSVP by contacting Stephanie Howdle (02) 6380 1200 or stephanie.howdle@hilltops.nsw.gov.au
