With just six months to go until Council Elections in September 2024, Council is gearing up for a successful transition from a time under Administration to an elected governing body.
To help guide aspiring candidates, John Rayner PSM, a former General Manager, Administrator and experienced Local Government Leader, will join other experts for the second of a series of Councillor candidate information sessions, with the first for 2024 scheduled on 10 April 2024.
Wingecarribee Shire Council Administrator, Viv May, said the sessions will provide valuable insights into civic leadership, governance, and the challenges faced by elected members, and will help candidates understand the roles and responsibilities of being an effective Councillor.
"Councillors come from all different backgrounds, so potential candidates are encouraged to come along and learn what's involved, the expectations and requirements, and all the other important elements of being an elected public official," said Mr May.
A program of speakers has been prepared covering a range of important aspects to being an effective civic leader in local government.
"John Rayner's expertise and guidance alongside other key experts such as from the OLG, ICAC as well as former mayors, will assist potential candidates in understanding their role and the opportunities they have to shape their community," added Mr May.
"There is always a lot to be across in Council, so a thorough understanding of the realities of Councillor life, the separation of responsibilities, and knowing what is and isn't acceptable, identifying corrupt conduct, and any potential ramifications, is vital to ensure our Council will be in the best possible position to properly govern in this new era of Council," he said.
Details for the 2024 SESSIONS (subject to change):
Session 1: 10 April 2024
Registrations now open – register online here or by emailing [email protected]
3:30pm – 5:30pm/Council Chambers
- Welcome & Introduction – John Rayner
- Election Provisions – John Rayner
- Presentation from Ms Pam Palmer, former Independent Mayor of Lane Cove
- Council and the Governing Body – John Rayner
- Question Time
Session 2: 8 May 2024
3:30pm – 5:30pm/Council Chambers
- Welcome & Introduction – John Rayner
- Conduct – Giselle Tocher – Principal Officer Corruption Prevention ICAC
- Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM, City of Wollongong Lord Mayor
- Roles of Councillors, Mayor and the General Manager and the separation of powers and interactions – John Rayner
- Land Use Planning – Viv May, Administrator
- Question Time
Session 3: 12 June 2024
3:30pm – 5:30pm/Council Chambers
- Welcome & Introduction – John Rayner
- What we have done and what's next – Viv May, Administrator
- Office of Local Government Expectations – Brett Whitworth, Deputy Secretary, Local Government, Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
- Lessons from the Public Inquiry – David Parish, Counsel Assisting
- Summary and Question Time
Check the NSW EC website for regular information updates: Home – NSW Electoral Commission
Links to useful information for Candidates
- Office of Local Government – Information for Councillors
- NSW Electoral Commission – Six Steps to being a Candidate
- Local Government NSW Capability Framework
- Council's Financial Statements and Annual Reports
- Administrator Minutes
- OLG – Public Inquiry Report Wingecarribee Shire Council
