Information sessions for residents interested in becoming a councillor
Residents who want to make a difference in and represent their local community are invited to consider running as a candidate in the Cardinia Shire Council election, to be held in October 2024.
A number of upcoming free information sessions are taking place during May and June for residents wanting to find out more about the election process and what being a councillor involves.
Two online sessions are being hosted by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA). An in-person event is also being hosted by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) in late May in Narre Warren.
The sessions hosted by the VLGA aim to support those standing for election to their local council or considering doing so. They provide an opportunity for people to find out how councillors represent their community and to hear from speakers with extensive local government experience.
Event details for the two VLGA sessions are as follows:
Standing for Local Government – hosted by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA)
Friday 17 May 2024, 12 noon to 1.30pm
Online session via Zoom
This session covers the role of local government and what people can expect if they are elected. It covers how local councils work, the responsibilities of councillors and key issues to consider when standing for council.
Local Women Leading Change – hosted by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA)
Friday 24 May 2024, 12 noon to 1pm
Online session via Zoom
This session is tailored for women candidates to hear more about what it is to be a councillor, through a gendered lens. This includes key issues such as the gender-based barriers to standing for election, as well as the importance of self-care and balancing care and work responsibilities. It also aims to encourage more women to stand for election to their local council, recognising the unique experiences and qualities that women bring to leadership roles.
For more information and to register for both VLGA events visit the VLGA website at www.vlga.org.au/events
A third session – available to attend in-person or online - is being presented by the MAV and hosted by the City of Casey at the end of May. This session is for potential candidates and other community members wanting more information about standing as a council candidate in the Metropolitan South region, which includes Cardinia, Casey, Dandenong, Frankston, Kingston and Mornington Peninsula. Registration for this session is compulsory. Capacity limits for in-person attendance apply. There will be no registration available on the day of the session.
Community and Candidate Information Session – hosted by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV)
Wednesday 29 May 2024
In-person and online event
Venue: Bunjil Place (function centre), 2 Patrick NE Drive, Narre Warren
In person check in time: Check in between 6pm and 6.30pm
Event time: 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Participants will have the opportunity to meet with council representatives from the region. Cardinia Shire Council will also have an information stand at the event.
The session will cover topics including:
- local government and the important role councils play for our local communities
- the role and responsibility of a councillor, Mayor, Deputy Mayor and CEO
- the election process and candidate requirements
- what newly elected councillors can expect soon after the elections
- councillor training and development opportunities.
To register and for more information visit the MAV website at www.mav.asn.au/stand-for-council-2024
In addition to the Community and Candidate Information Session, the MAV is also hosting sessions for women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people with disabilities, youth, culturally and linguistically diverse and LGBTIQA+ communities. These sessions aim to support and encourage a range of diverse candidates.
Please note that the VLGA and MAV sessions outlined above are separate from the Local Government Compulsory Candidate Training – a mandatory online module for all Victorians who wish to nominate as a candidate in a council election. For more information visit the Local Government Victoria website at www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/council-governance/candidate-training
The Cardinia Shire Council election is being held in October 2024, along with all local government elections across Victoria.
Voting in council elections is by post. Ballot packs are sent by the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) to all enrolled voters to complete and send back.
To stand as a candidate in the Cardinia Shire Council election, residents must be enrolled as a voter in Cardinia Shire. Candidates can stand for election for any ward in the municipality – they do not need to live in that ward to stand.
For more information on the 2024 Cardinia Shire Council election visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/councilelection