Louise Johnson
The Hepburn Shire Council elections are upon us, electoral rolls have closed, and nomination dates are fast approaching.
On Sunday 11th August, Hepburn Matters held an informative seminar highlighting how to be a Hepburn Shire candidate, how to get elected, the campaign, responsibilities and challenges of being a Councillor and what to expect when elected. Keynote speaker, Claire Ferres Miles, former CEO of Sustainability Victoria and Interim CEO of the City of Melbourne, shared her extensive experience as an independent candidate in Federal and Local Government elections. Other speakers were Kate Redwood, Hepburn Shire Councillor for two terms and Dr Daniel McDiarmid with experience across all levels of government.
Hepburn Matters undertook the organisation of this seminar because we believe that a strong, pro-active, transparent Hepburn Shire Council is in the best interests of all voters when the forthcoming council elections are held in October this year. Councillors can influence the establishment or retention of community assets that deliver long term, intergenerational benefits for a connected and thriving local community within the Hepburn Shire.
Being a Councillor is not for the faint hearted but can be incredibly rewarding as you have the ability to lead and shape our community over the next four years.
During the seminar, Claire Ferres discussed the role of a Councillor and the importance of making decisions for the benefit of residents. Councillors represent the community, listen and advocate for needs, jointly make decisions and comply with rules Councillors are bound by. Discussion focused on the importance of knowing your role and being strategic with a focus on outcomes, leadership, and working as a team to be effective.
The challenges of influencing the strategic direction very early in a Councillor’s term with significant impact on community, was raised by Kate Redwood.
Participants discussed the importance of Councillor leadership and governance to enhance community wellbeing and the future sustainability of assets and the environment (oversight being more than the consideration of financial, legal and risk management).
Daniel indicated that the Model Code of Conduct will be in operation with implementation of Local Government Act 2024 and discussed the preferential voting system and how it works to get elected.
Early development of a brief biography and statement of up to 150 words describing who you are and why you want to stand for Council, accompanied by a photograph, was discussed. Strategies for getting elected and having a plan were also touched upon.
If you thinking about supporting someone or running for Council and would like to to see the material that was distributed at the seminar, contact Hepburn Matters via Jenny Beacham (jennifer.beacham@gmail.com) or David Reilly (davidreilly0248@hotmail.com).
The Victorian Government provides compulsory online training for all Victorians who wish to nominate as a candidate in council elections. Under the Local Government Act 2020 you will not be able to nominate as a candidate unless you have completed the training. The training will help you understand the role and responsibilities of being a councillor.
The Municipal Association of Victoria also offers advice for candidates on their website.
Louise Johnson is the President, Hepburn Matters.
