Standing for Council? New information sessions released

 If you’re thinking of standing for Council, Strathbogie Shire is offering a range of free online, in-person and one-on-one opportunities for prospective candidates prior to the upcoming elections. 

Council has partnered with the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) to deliver two prospective candidate workshops in August. 

The first session is about becoming a Councillor and will be held at Euroa Football Club on Tuesday 6 August at 6pm. 

Facilitated by Rhys Thomas from VLGA, the session will cover legal and regulatory obligations, participatory decision-making, the importance of codes of conduct and essential community leadership skills which promote and model good governance. 

The second session is about women thinking of standing and is at Nagambie Lakes Regatta Centre on Tuesday 13 August at 7.30pm. 

Facilitated by Tanja Kovac, Co-CEO of Gender Lens Australia, this session will provide potential candidates with an opportunity to hear from previous women Councillors in Victoria about their experiences representing local community − from standing for office, to getting elected and serving as a Councillor. 

Both sessions will be delivered online for those who can’t attend in person. 

Strathbogie Shire Council is also offering one-on-one sessions with Administrator Peter Stephenson and Interim CEO Tim Tamlin. The next sessions will be on 30 July and 14 August. 

Strathbogie Shire Council Administrator Peter Stephenson said the initiatives were a key part of a successful transition back to elected Councillors, and followed other recent Your Community, Your Voice sessions with the Municipal Association of Victoria and Council. 

“I encourage interested community members to register to attend one of the VLGA sessions or make a time to talk to Tim and myself,’ Mr Stephenson said 

“Between us, we have a wealth of experience and we will be able to answer most questions about your decision to stand for council. 

Interim CEO Tim Tamlin said a key focus for him is to support the new Councillors by assisting them in forming a new dynamic team to govern the shire for the next four years. 

“The organisation is committed to setting up the incoming Council with the foundations for a successful and impactful four years,” Mr Tamlin said. 

“These sessions are a really important part of that foundation. They will help potential Councillors to understand the role before they commit and ensure they are aware of the work required, the challenges they will face but also the fantastic opportunity they have ahead of them to shape Strathbogie’s future.” 

For information on the sessions or the upcoming elections, please visit the Your Community, Your Voice section of Council’s website at www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au/council/2024-local-government-election/candidates

If you are unable to make an information sessions or your preferred time is unavailable, please email info@strathbogie.vic.gov.au or phone Council’s Governance team on 03 5795 0000 to book another time.