Insights for potential new councillors
Monday 7 June, 2021
Anyone considering running in the 2021 Local Government Elections for Tamworth Regional Council can find out more about what the role of an elected official involves at an information session next month.
The one-hour event at Tamworth Regional Youth Centre on 21 July, 2021 from 6pm will include a presentation from Tamworth Regional Mayor Col Murray who is not seeking re-election this year.
Cr Murray will share some of his insights as a councillor from his 17-years in local government.
“I have found it very rewarding and satisfying over the years to play a role in achieving some positive outcomes for the Tamworth region,” he said.
“All local Councillors should be proud of the contribution they make to our community and I am hopeful there will be some strong candidates who come forward for this year’s election in September.
“However, what a councillor actually does is not fully appreciated by many people in our community – there is much more involved apart from attending council meetings twice a month. It is a considerable time commitment and this information session will help anyone considering running to understand exactly what is involved.”
The Candidate Information Session will include details about the role of a councillor as set out in the NSW Local Government Act and other legislation, provide an overview of the Tamworth Regional Council Code of Conduct and an opportunity to ask questions. Council’s General Manager Paul Bennett will also speak at the event. There will be some printed information available for attendees.
The Candidate Information Session is free but attendees must register by completing the online form
The Tamworth Regional Youth Centre is at 1A Quinn Street. West Tamworth.
Tamworth Regional Councillors decided in November last year when they approved a Mayoral and Councillor Induction and Professional Development Policy which sets out guidelines and legislative boundaries to have a Candidate Information Session to ensure potential councillors have an understanding of what to expect before they nominate to run for election. The policy also includes an induction program for the newly-elected council and an ongoing professional development program.
For more information about the 2021 Local Government Elections, go to the NSW Electoral Commission website.