Become a voice for your community: CGRC pre-selection briefings announced for poll

Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council Mayor Gil Kelly says being a councillor is a rewarding experience. Photo: Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council.

With the local government elections coming up, Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) is inviting community members to two pre-selection briefings.

The elections will be held on 14 September, and nominations for candidates will close on 14 August.

CGRC is set to host two pre-selection briefings in Cootamundra and Gundagai, where community members can learn about becoming candidates and potential councillors.

CGRC Mayor Gil Kelly said this was the perfect opportunity for community-minded and spirited people to get involved and make a difference in people’s lives.

“Being a councillor is standing proud and being prepared to be a voice for your community,” Cr Kelly said. ”It’s rewarding and character-building, and the good far outweighs any negatives.

“As councillors, we can take pride in what is achieved within our communities.

“We can lobby and voice our concerns to state and federal governments about the needs of our communities.”

Cr Kelly said the CGRC heard lots of rhetoric and plenty of people had a voice on social media or in the pub.

“These upcoming council elections are an opportunity that only comes around every four years,” he said.

“It’s an opportunity for those and others to have their voices heard. The only way to make a change is to stand up and be heard.”

The pre-election candidate briefings will be delivered by Local Government NSW’s Leanne Barnes.

They will include information on how to nominate, understanding essential information and legal obligations, the registration process to initiate campaigning, managing campaign finances, creating electoral material, and ensuring compliance with disclosures and electoral expenditure regulations.

In addition, attendees will have the chance to speak with current councillors and CGRC staff.

The briefings are free and open to anyone interested in becoming a councillor.

They will be held in the Alby Schultz Meeting Centre, Cooper Street, Cootamundra, on Thursday, 8 August, from 3 pm to 6:30 pm and at Gundagai Council Chambers, Sheridan Street, Gundagai, on Friday, 9 August, from 3 pm to 6:30 pm.

Visit Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council for more information.