Become A Councillor
There are no special qualifications required, other than a desire to serve your community. If you are passionate about your local community – you have what it takes to become a councillor.
Being a councillor is a rewarding opportunity to:
- Make decisions that help people in your local community
- Influence the long-term vision and direction for your community
- Learn new skills such as leadership, public speaking and advocacy
- Work with a diverse and passionate group of people on a range of issues
- Balance the needs and priorities of your community
- Show leadership and make the best decisions for your community.
WHAT’S INVOLVED?
Being a councillor is a time commitment. Many councillors spend varying hours each week on council activities, depending on the issues that arise.
Councillors are expected to attend all council, committee meetings and a range of community engagement initiatives.
Councillors work together to make decisions about what the council will do to meet the community needs and how money should be spent in the best interests of the community as a whole. Councillors do not get involved in the day-to-day running of the council; this is the role of the General Manager.
CANDIDATE INFORMATION SESSIONS
- For further information on what is expected of a councillor, Council will be holding a Pre-Election Candidate Briefing Session on Wednesday, 10th July 2024. Registration for this session is required, please click here to register.
- Any member considering becoming a councillor is encouraged to book a meeting with Council’s General Manager, Brett McInnes, to discuss the roles and responsibilities of a councillor. To book a meeting, please phone Council’s Governance and Executive Services Coordinator, Sharon Stafford, on 02 6728 8206.
AM I ELIGIBLE?
You are eligible to contest the Inverell Shire Council local government election if:
- You are entitled to be enrolled as an elector;
- You are not disqualified from being a councillor by the Local Government Act;
- You are not prevented from being elected under the Section 276 (2) of the Local Government Act.
HOW DO I NOMINATE?
The NSW Electoral Commission (NSWEC) provides an outline on the nomination process for Local Government elections, as well as the necessary forms and fact sheets.
Candidates and groups need to register for the election with the NSWEC and appoint a person as their official agent before accepting political donations or incurring electoral expenditure. Registration and agent appointment forms are available on the NSW Electoral Commission website.
| Nomination Forms | |
|---|---|
| Application to Register as a Candidate (LG) | [635 KB - PDF] |
| Application to Register a Group of Candidates (LG) | [737 KB - PDF] |
| Notice of Appointment of Official Agent (LG) | [604 KB - PDF] |
IMPORTANT DATES IF ELECTED
Wednesday, 9th October 2024
> Take oath/affirmation
> Elect Mayor and Deputy Mayor
> Elect Committee Representatives
> Other procedural matters
Tuesday, 22nd October 2024
> Formal Councillor induction
Wednesday, 30th October 2024
> First Council Meeting (time to be advised)
RESOURCES & INFORMATION
The NSW Office of Local Government (OLG) provide key resources which outline how Councillors can meet the wide range of obligations.
Further information and guidance documentation can be found on the NSW Office of Local Government’s Website and Councillors webpage.
