According to the Hilltops Council General Manager Anthony McMahon, the information session has been designed and will run to help potential candidates gain a better understanding of what it takes and means to be an elected member of a council.

“Attendance is free and is open to anyone who is interested in nominating as a candidate at the election later this year,” Mr McMahon said.

A Local Government New South Wales (LGNSW) representative will be at the meeting to present a range of topics including the challenges of being a councillor, council meeting procedures and rules of debate, local government language and managing conflicts of interest.

“There will also be information on the importance of speaking out on key issues and how to do this confidently, as well as a discussion on how important it is to have diverse representation at a local government level,” Mr McMahon said.

According to Mr McMahon there will also be specific information provided on the Hilltops Local Government Area.

Council will also be providing information to candidates that is specific to the Hilltops region.

Mr McMahon said this is to ensure all candidates are as well informed as possible on what it means to be a councillor in the Hilltops area.

“It’s hoped that by the end of the approximately two hour-long session, attendees will have satisfied any questions they may have about what’s involved in being a councillor, and what the key requirements and expectations of the role are,” he said.

“I strongly encourage both potential candidates standing for the first time, and former councillors considering standing again to attend as there are several changes to the Local Government Act that have occurred over the past 12 months relevant to councillors that will be highlighted.” 

Nominations for the inaugural Hilltops Council election open on Monday, July 31, 2017, and close on Wednesday, August 9, 2017.

Further information on how to nominate is available at www.votensw.info. 

Councillor briefing: 5.30pm, Monday 17 July 2017 at the Young Town Hall. Attendees should RSVP by contacting Stephanie Howdle (02) 6380 1200 or stephanie.howdle@hilltops.nsw.gov.au

The Young Witness would like those who are running in the election to please arrive a little early and speak to our journalists so we can talk with you about your campaign.