If you are passionate about what happens in your local community becoming a councillor is an opportunity to make a difference and to represent the interests of residents. Councils are responsible for making significant decisions that have a far-reaching impact on their community.
With community diversity represented on a council comes a range of perspectives and experience. The Office of Local Government has developed a range of resources aimed at increasing the representation of our diverse communities on local councils.
The Stand for Your Community Candidate Guide, which can be found in the resources section of this page, contains comprehensive information about becoming and being a councillor, including eligibility and the nomination process. This guide has been prepared as an introduction to the role of councillors and the operation of councils. It is a starting point to help you decide whether you would like to run in the next council election.
The Office of Local Government has also launched a comprehensive online candidate training tool. The interactive resource, which can be found in the resources section of this page, provides candidates with detailed information about running for election and the roles and responsibilities of councils and councillors.
For more detailed information on how to nominate and register as a candidate, election campaign finances as well as your funding and disclosure obligations, you can visit the NSW Electoral Commission (NSWEC) website www.elections.nsw.gov.au. The NSWEC provides support and assistance to candidates to help them understand their legal obligations regarding political donations and electoral expenditure.
If you would like further information about becoming a councillor, you may wish to talk to a current councillor in your local area.
Key Resources
- Stand for your community – Candidate Guide – PDF
- Stand for Your Community – A Guide for Women – PDF
- Stand for your community – A guide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – PDF
- Stand for your community – A guide for culturally and linguistically diverse people – PDF
Online candidate training tool
The Office of Local Government has launched a comprehensive online candidate training tool.
The interactive resource provides candidates with detailed information about running for election and the roles and responsibilities of councils and councillors.
It is designed to arm election candidates with the know-how to launch their election campaign and serve their community to the best of their ability if they are elected.