Nominations will open October 25 for local residents who are willing to put up their hands to represent our community in the upcoming Local Government Elections December 4.
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Becoming a councillor is a great opportunity for people who are passionate about where they live and who want to take an active role in shaping the future of our council area.
We are looking for people from all-walks-of-life, we especially need more women, youth, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents and members of multicultural communities to increase, and better reflect, the diversity of our council area.
So far only a handful of people have made public their intention to contest the local government election December 4, and frankly I find that alarming.
Nominations will formally open Monday October 25 and I hope we see a flood of nominations. I am calling on everyone who cares about this community to consider standing.
If you have made a good living in business here maybe you owe a community debt you can repay?
If you have children and want their future to be in a positive growing community maybe standing for election is the best way to ensure that?
If you have a burning passion to advocate for a particular community need maybe council is the best place for that? There are many good reasons to stand for council.
When a community doesn't take the democratic process seriously, bad outcomes can result.
There will always be someone willing to take a position of power, and non-competitive elections can see people win election for all the wrong reasons.
Local government across the state is sadly fairly rife with an easily recognised type; low capacity narcissists who use local government relentlessly to gain power, attention and sometimes personal gain that they don't deserve and can gain nowhere else.
This is one of the reasons I have advocated for decent remuneration and conditions for councillors. Hopefully something that will progress in the future.
Our community's future should not be subject to such people, and only a good selection of candidates will ensure it is not.
We deserve a council of accomplished and passionate community advocates dedicated to making good decisions in the public interest. In addition to being a community service, service as a councillor can be a lot of fun, a great opportunity to meet people and deeply rewarding and educating.
I leave council with a deep sense of satisfaction that I have played a role in finally achieving much needed drug treatment services for our region. You could leave office in 3 years with a similar sense of satisfaction. What is your passion?
There are a few steps involved in nominating for council, so if you are considering becoming a candidate, it's best to start the process early before the deadline of 12pm Wednesday November 3. For more information and comprehensive online training tool and guides for candidates visit the Office of Local Government and NSW Electoral Commission websites.
For more information for candidates visit DRC's website www.dubbo.nsw.gov/localgovernmentelections.