Becoming a Councillor
Shellharbour City Council's Mayor and 8 Councillors (2 from each Ward) will be elected on Saturday 14 September 2024, and hold office for four years.
What is the role of the Mayor?
The role of the Mayor is:
- to be the leader of the council and a leader in the local community,
- to advance community cohesion and promote civic awareness,
- to be the principal member and spokesperson of the governing body, including representing the views of the council as to its local priorities,
- to exercise, in cases of necessity, the policy-making functions of the governing body of the council between meetings of the council,
- to preside at meetings of the council,
- to ensure that meetings of the council are conducted efficiently, effectively and in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993.
- to ensure the timely development and adoption of the strategic plans, programs and policies of the council,
- to promote the effective and consistent implementation of the strategic plans, programs and policies of the council,
- to promote partnerships between the council and key stakeholders,
- to advise, consult with and provide strategic direction to the general manager in relation to the implementation of the strategic plans and policies of the council,
- in conjunction with the general manager, to ensure adequate opportunities and mechanisms for engagement between the council and the local community,
- to carry out the civic and ceremonial functions of the mayoral office,
- to represent the council on regional organisations and at inter-governmental forums at regional, State and Commonwealth level,
- in consultation with the councillors, to lead performance appraisals of the general manager,
- to exercise any other functions of the council that the council determines.
What is the role of Councillor?
The role of Councillor is:
- to be an active and contributing member of the governing body,
- to make considered and well informed decisions as a member of the governing body,
- to participate in the development of the integrated planning and reporting framework,
- to represent the collective interests of residents, ratepayers and the local community,
- to facilitate communication between the local community and the governing body,
- to uphold and represent accurately the policies and decisions of the governing body,
- to make all reasonable efforts to acquire and maintain the skills necessary to perform the role of a councillor.
A councillor is accountable to the local community for the performance of the council.
Am I eligible to nominate as a candidate?
Anyone who is entitled to vote at Council elections in NSW is also eligible to stand for election as a Councillor. Before setting off to become a Councillor, ensure you are on the electoral roll for the Council area and be clear that you’re not disqualified from standing for office.
People disqualified from standing for office include people who are:
- currently serving a prison sentence
- convicted of certain election-related or criminal offences
- prohibited from managing companies
- suspended on three or more occasions for misconduct as a councillor
- current state members, if elected, may only hold office as a councillor if they resign from the Parliament before the first council meeting. Serving judges, the returning officer for elections of the council and council employees are also excluded.
What are they key dates for candidates?
Key dates for candidates can be found on the NSW Electoral Commission website.
How do I nominate?
Information on how to nominate as the Mayor or a Councillor can be found on the NSW Electoral Commission website.