Candidate Information Sessions for Upcoming Council Election
Published on 27 June 2024
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
“I really encourage people to come along to find out more about what is involved with standing for council and being an elected as a councillor.
“Being a part of the council is a significant way to contribute to the growth and development of our community,” Ms Gordon said.
There are also a number of information sessions which are being run in partnership with Victorian Councils and the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) that can be attended online or in person. The two sessions closest to Campaspe are being held on 17 July in Bendigo and 7 August in Swan Hill. Full details of all sessions are available on the MAV website - https://www.mav.asn.au/stand-for-council-2024
Event details:
Municipal Association of Victoria Community and Candidate Information sessions:
Wednesday 17 July, hosted by Greater Bendigo City Council
Wednesday 7 August, hosted by Swan Hill Rural City Council
Campaspe Candidate information sessions with Tony Raunic:
Wednesday, 24 July: Gunbower, Echuca, Lockington, Rochester
Thursday, 25 July: Colbinabbin, Rushworth, Stanhope, Kyabram, Tongala
Women in Council Candidate information sessions with Cr Despi O’Connor:
Monday, 12 August: Gunbower, Echuca
Tuesday, 13 August: Kyabram
Interested parties must register to attend via Council’s website. To register, or for more information about times and locations, please visit www.campaspe.vic.gov.au/elections.