In September our community has the opportunity to vote for local candidates to become councillors who will serve Kempsey Shire Council for a three-year term. You will also be asked to vote for your choice of Mayor.
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Who to give your votes to when choosing your eight councillors and Mayor is a big question.
Yet while September might seem a long way off, now is a great time to ask a slightly different question.
Do you want to run for council? Or maybe the question should be: Why don't you run for council?
Yes you! Great community members make great councillors.
Nominations for candidates open on July 26 2021 and close at 12 noon on August 4 2021, but now is the time to start getting ready.
It's an amazing job, and so much more than just turning up to a meeting once a month.
You're the voice of the community to council and the voice of council to the community. You really get to make a difference.
All of which is to say, if you are interested or even think you might be interested, why not find out more.
There is some great information and links at ksc.pub/election and there will be briefing sessions for potential candidates run in the lead-up.
The sessions will provide an opportunity for potential candidates to:
- Identify the key requirements of becoming a councillor
- Recognise how the councillor role fits in with other roles and levels of government
- Understand the key expectations and potential challenges in becoming a councillor
- Know how the councillor role fits in with strategic planning
- Walk through the key elements of council meetings, including the code of conduct and conflicts of interest.
The sessions will be held on July 7 and 8 at Council Chambers. Until then have a read, maybe attend a council meeting or watch one on our YouTube channel, or contact a councillor and ask one of us about it.
So think about it. Talk with your family and friends. Perhaps this year is your year.
