Campaspe Shire Council is holding a series of information sessions for community members interested in running in the upcoming 2024 local government elections. These sessions are designed to provide potential candidates with essential information about the election process, candidate requirements, and the roles and responsibilities of councillors.
The first series of sessions are designed to be "kitchen table" conversations with Tony Raunic for people who are interested in standing for council. Mr Raunic is one of Victoria's leading local government and public law legal advisors and brings the benefit of his own experience as an elected councillor having served two terms on the Shire of Nillumbik as Mayor and Councillor.
Campaspe Shire Council CEO Pauline Gordon encourages all community members who are passionate about making a difference in Campaspe to attend these sessions.
"Tony often conducts intensive training sessions for new councillors so he can provide a unique perspective as a legal professional and former councillor.
"Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive guidance on the enrolment process, and day to day requirements as an elected member," Ms Gordon said.
In addition to the sessions with Tony Raunic, Council is also running some information sessions aimed at encouraging greater participation of women as councillors, in recognition of their under-representation in local government. These sessions will include conversations with Cr Despi O'Connor, Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor and former mayor, along 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.
"Cr O'Connor is the Vice President Metro and Secretary of the Australian Women in Local Government Association (ALGWA) so she will be able share information about the events, support and mentoring they provide to female councillors and other programs that support women in local government," Ms Gordon said.
These information sessions will cover a range of topics, including:
- The election timeline and important deadlines
- Eligibility criteria for candidates
- How to submit a nomination
- Campaign regulations and guidelines
- Overview of the council's functions and duties
