Considering standing for Council?

Published on 27 July 2020

Gannawarra Shire Council residents passionate about leadership and creating a positive future are encouraged to consider standing for Council this October.

Nominations will open in September, with Australian citizens at least 18 years of age or older on 24 October 2020 and a registered voter in the Gannawarra Shire eligible to stand.

Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said that being a Councillor can be a rewarding experience.

“This is an opportunity to set the direction for a creative and positive future for the Gannawarra,” Mr O’Reilly said.

“Being a councillor requires commitment, responsibility and accountability. It provides the opportunity to lead the Gannawarra community and bring new and fresh ideas that will benefit all residents into the future.

“The Gannawarra is undergoing significant change through innovative agriculture, nature based tourism and creative infrastructure. It is an exciting time to be involved in transitioning Gannawarra to a more diverse economy that supports job creation and liveability going forward.

“If you can see yourself being part of a positive future focused team, I encourage you to attend the upcoming Municipal Association of Victoria Stand for Council Community and Candidate Information Session and find out more.”

Occurring online on Tuesday, 4 August from 7pm, this two-hour session will provide prospective Gannawarra election candidates with information about:

• The role and purpose of local government;
• The new Local Government Act 2020;
• Introduction to your council and information on the municipal area;
• Roles, responsibilities and expectations of a councillor;
• The experience of being a councillor; and
• The electoral process and campaigning, including key dates and information provided by the Victorian Electoral Commission.

“The best way to predict our future is to create it,” Mr O’Reilly said.

“Whether you are a stay at home parent, university student, farmer, retail store owner or a member of a community organisation, you do not need any specific qualifications or an understanding of local government to take part in this session.

“All you need is a healthy community-minded attitude and a desire to find out more about nominating as a candidate for the upcoming Council elections.”

To register for this session, please visit https://cvent.me/GVlyRQ or visit Council’s online election portal, located at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/election

“Potential candidates also need to undertake mandatory Local Government Candidate Training before nominations open in September, with details to be available the week of Monday, 3 August on Council’s online election portal,” Mr O’Reilly said.