Free candidate briefing sessions are being organised for anyone who is thinking about standing for council at the September local government elections.
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The events will be facilitated by former Lismore City Council mayor Jenny Dowell OAM, and will be open to any community member who is interested in learning about standing for council and the role and responsibilities of elected councillors.
A session will be held at the Gunnedah Bicentennial Creative Arts Gallery on Friday, June 18 from 6-9pm, with light refreshments provided.
Council General Manager Eric Groth says anyone who may have an interest in running should attend.
"Our nine elected councillors play an important role in advocating for the community and leading and shaping our Shire," Mr Groth said.
"This session will provide an opportunity for potential candidates to learn more about the role and purpose of local government and the responsibilities and expectations that come with being a councillor."
Ms Dowell, who served as Lismore City Council's mayor for eight years, said the session will allow prospective candidates to learn more about what's expected from a councillor and mayor on a day-to-day basis.
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"The sessions are designed to be very practical and informative and there will be ample opportunities for questions and answers," Ms Dowell said.
"The best way to ensure all voices in any community are heard is to have a diverse range of candidates stand for election, and we want to encourage people from all walks of life, backgrounds, abilities, ages and gender to come along to one of the sessions and learn more about what's involved in standing for election and serving on Council.
"Being a councillor requires a substantial time commitment, but there's nothing more rewarding than serving in the level of government closest to the local community."
- Bookings for the session are essential. To register, RSVP via email at council@infogunnedah.com.au or phone (02) 6740 2100 by Wednesday, June 16.
- For more information about the upcoming 2021 local government election and to register as a candidate, visit www.elections.nsw.gov.au.
Information sessions are also scheduled for towns in the Liverpool Plains Shire:
Quirindi: 5.30pm, Thursday, 17 June 2021 - Council Chambers, 60 Station Street.
Werris Creek: 9.00am, Friday, 18 June 2021 - Railway Institute Hall, 4 Anzac Parade.
Spring Ridge: 12.30pm, Friday, 18 June 2021 - Spring Ridge Community Hall, 82 Darby Road.
Prospective candidates need only attend one session, with the same content and topics to covered at each briefing.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, attendance is limited to 25 attendees per sessions. Attendees must register their attendance by contacting Liverpool Plains Shire Council's Customer Service Centre on (02) 6746 1755 or via email at lpsc@lpsc.nsw.gov.au
Council has engaged the NSW Electoral Commission (NSWEC) to administer the election on its behalf.
Those wishing to stand for election to Liverpool Plains Shire Council must be local ratepayers, residents or individuals on the non-residential roll. Nominations for candidates open on Monday, 26 July and close midday on Wednesday, August 4, 2021.
Further information on the upcoming 2021 local government elections, including key dates and information for prospective candidates, is available from the NSWEC website at www.elections.nsw.gov.au
