Information session for residents considering standing for Council

With Council Elections set for October this year the City of Greater Bendigo is hosting a special public information session to provide important information for residents who are interested in standing for Council.

City of Greater Bendigo CEO Craig Niemann said a Community and Candidate information session has been planned for 7pm on Tuesday May 29 in the Bendigo Town Hall reception room.

“Standing for Council is a statutory process and can be daunting for prospective candidates if they are not certain what is required or how to go about it.

“The aim of the information session is to outline the roles and responsibilities of a Councillor, describe the election process and provide information on getting elected.

“I strongly encourage all residents who are thinking about standing for the next election to attend the information session,” said Craig Niemann

He said representatives from the City of Greater Bendigo and Municipal Association of Victoria as well as a visiting Councillor and CEO from another Victorian municipality will speak at the session to explain the roles and structures of local government and provide information about the Council area and advice on who can nominate, how to nominate, and what is required of a Councillor.

“The visiting Councillor will speak about their experiences as a Councillor to help prospective candidates gain an understanding of what the public expect from a Councillor, the time commitments required, the rewards of being a Councillor and techniques for election campaigns.

“The session will include an opportunity for open discussion and questions. It is free of charge to attend and each registered participant will receive a comprehensive information kit,” said Mr Niemann.

The City of Greater Bendigo’s 2012 Council Election will be via postal vote with the election set for Saturday October 27, 2012. 

Due to a recent ward restructure three Councillors will be elected to each of the City of Greater Bendigo’s three new wards.   Election nominations open on Thursday, September 20 and close at 12 noon on Tuesday, September 25.

Further information about Council elections and standing for Council is available on the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) website www.vec.vic.gov.au/stand  or go to City of Greater Bendigo website www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/councilelection