Campaspe Shire and Murray River councils are getting election-ready ahead of the local government elections in Victoria and NSW later in the year.
The Victorian local government elections, conducted entirely by post, will be the first without subdivisions or ‘wards’ in Campaspe Shire.
This means councillors can be chosen from anywhere in the region, unlike the past where they were separated by areas like the ‘Echuca’, ‘Rochester’ or ‘Kyabram Deakin’ wards.
Council is hosting sessions for community members interested in running to learn about being a councillor and the election process.
Local government and legal advisor Tony Raunic will lead the first ‘kitchen table’ style sessions, drawing on his experience as mayor and councillor for the Nillumnik Shire.
“Tony often conducts intensive training sessions for new councillors so he can provide a unique perspective as a legal professional and former councillor,” Campaspe Shire Council chief executive Pauline Gordon said.
“Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive guidance on the enrolment process, and day-to-day requirements as an elected member.”
The Campaspe Candidate information sessions with Tony Raunic will be held on Wednesday, July 24 for Gunbower, Echuca, Lockington and Rochester; and on Thursday, July 25 for Colbinabbin, Rushworth, Stanhope, Kyabram and Tongala.
Council is also holding information sessions specifically for women interested in running to promote equal representation in local government.
Former mayor and councillor for Mornington Peninsula Shire Despi O’Connor will lead the conversation with Ms Gordon.
“Cr O’Connor will be able to articulate from a woman’s point of view to prospective candidates and share her experiences of being a councillor,” Ms Gordon said.
“Cr O’Connor is the vice-president metro and secretary of the Australian Women in Local Government Association so she will be able to share information about the events, support and mentoring they provide to female councillors and other programs that support women in local government.”
The Women in Council Candidate information sessions with Cr O’Connor are on Monday, August 12 for Gunbower and Echuca, and Tuesday, August 13 in Kyabram.
“I really encourage people to come along to find out more about what is involved with standing for council and being elected as a councillor,” Ms Gordon said.
“Being a part of the council is a significant way to contribute to the growth and development of our community.”
These sessions will cover the election timeline, important deadlines, candidate eligibility, how to submit a nomination, campaign rules and an overview of the council’s duties.
To register or for more information about times and locations, visit the council website at www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/elections
Victorian Councils and the Municipal Association of Victoria will also hold information sessions online and in-person.
The two closest sessions to Campaspe Shire are in Bendigo on Wednesday, July 17 and in Swan Hill on Wednesday, August 7.
Session details are available at www.mav.asn.au/stand-for-council-2024
Murray River Council residents will also take to the polls, with election day on Saturday, September 14. These elections are in-person, or can be submitted through a postal ballot.
The Moama, Greater Murray and Greater Wakool ward boundaries are changing slightly, with around 600 voters moving to a different ward.
For those interested in learning more about running, email the governance and risk manager Sandra Gordon at sgordon@murrayriver.nsw.gov.au
For more information about the Murray River Council local government elections, go to https://yoursay.murrayriver.nsw.gov.au/2024-local-government-elections