Baw Baw Shire Council will host a series of in-person and online workshops as part of a Pre-Election Candidate Development Program being delivered by the Victorian Local Government Association (VLGA) in June and July.
The sessions will cover a range of topics including the basics of becoming a Councillor, election campaign essentials, the importance of codes of conduct, legal and regulatory obligations, and so much more.
With Local Government Councillor elections approaching in October this year, now is the time to start considering if a career as a local Councillor is the path for you.
Details to the sessions can be found below:
Wednesday 26 June - Becoming a Councillor
This introductory module covers all the foundations of becoming a Councillor. Candidates will learn about their legal and regulatory obligations, participatory decision-making, the importance of Codes of Conduct and essential community leadership skills that promote and model good governance.
Time: 6.00pm -8.00pm
Venue: Online
Monday 1 July - Life as a Woman Councillor
In these sessions, women candidates in the region will be provided with an opportunity to hear from previous women councillors about their experiences representing local community. From standing for office, to getting elected and serving as a councillor, the unique experiences of women will be shared in an informal and relaxed environment promoting discussion and sharing of ideas. Tanja Kovac and Dr Maree Overall will facilitate these sessions.
Time: 12.00pm - 2.00pm
Venue: Fountain Room at West Gippsland Arts Centre
Thursday 4 July - Life as a Woman Councillor
Time: 6.00pm – 8.00pm
Venue: Online
Monday 15 July - Becoming a Councillor and Election Campaign Essentials
This four-hour workshop includes an introductory module that covers all the foundations of becoming a Councillor. Candidates will learn about their legal and regulatory obligations, participatory decision-making, the importance of Codes of Conduct and essential community leadership skills that promote and model good governance. Candidates will then be introduced to the importance of recognising and representing the diverse people, views and needs within the community. The module explores effective campaign techniques, canvassing, as well as developing and using communications and social media to reach community members.
Time: 10.00am - 12.00pm & 1.00pm - 3.00pm
Venue: Fountain Room at West Gippsland Arts Centre
Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe encouraged community members to attend the local sessions and spoke highly of her own experiences as a Councillor.
"Being a Councillor gives you a unique opportunity to make a real difference in your own community and I have absolutely loved the chance to get to know my fellow residents," Cr McCabe said.
"It has been a very rewarding experience in many ways, from decision making, attending events, meeting people and advocating on behalf of our community, to name a few."
In addition to these events, the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) will organise and deliver 15 hybrid Community and Candidate Information Sessions across Victoria, including three in Gippsland.
These sessions will be held in Bairnsdale on Wednesday 24 July, Leongatha on Thursday 25 July and Morwell on Monday 12 August. Baw Baw Shire Council CEO, Mark Dupe, will be part of the panel discussion at the Leongatha and Morwell sessions.
