Three information sessions will be held in the wider region to provide information and inspiration to support potential candidates for the local government election in October.
The Municipal Association of Victoria’s Stand for Council campaign will include a First Nations information session, hosted by Greater Shepparton City Council, on Thursday, May 30.
This session supports potential candidates from the First Nations community; however, all candidates are welcome to attend in person or online.
In the session, Cr Yvonne Weldon from the City of Sydney and Cr Barrie Winmar from the City of Kwinana in Western Australia will share their motivations for standing for council and their experiences as councillors.
Sessions will also provide crucial details about the upcoming elections and the support available to elected councillors, including a guide detailing the role and responsibilities.
Three sessions will be held in the Goulburn Ovens Murray region on June 11 (Strathbogie Shire Council), 12 (Mitchell Shire Council) and 13 (Wangaratta Rural City Council).
Greater Shepparton City Council chief executive Fiona Le Gassick emphasised the importance of strong local leadership.
“The MAV Stand for Council sessions are critical for anyone considering running for council as they assist candidates in understanding the level of commitment and responsibility that councillors have within the community,” she said.
“Attending a MAV Stand for Council session is the first step in understanding if standing for council is for you.”
MAV chief executive Kelly Grisby said the sessions were designed to encourage and support a diverse range of candidates from across the Victorian community.
“If you are thinking of nominating for council as a candidate, these sessions and resources will help you consider further the broad responsibilities of a councillor, the wide range of issues you will be required to make decisions about, and the time commitment,” she said.
Additional candidate and voter information sessions will be held in the coming months.
To register for the First Nations session, visit bit.ly/firstnationsSFC
To find out more, visit https://greatershepparton.com.au/running-for-council