Information for Candidates
Here you'll find information for candidates who wish to run for election in the 2024 Local Government elections on 14 September.
Key Dates
- Nominations for candidates open – 8 am 5 August
- Nominations for candidates close – 12 pm on 14 August
- Caretaker period commences – 16 August
- Registration of electoral material – 15 August – 6 September
- Caretaker period ends – 13 September
- Election Day – 14 September
Find more key dates and important information at the NSW Electoral Commission
Information for Candidates
Local council is the level of government closest to the community. Council provides the key infrastructure, facilities and services to local residents that are integral to building strong, resilient and connected communities.
People from all walks of life are encouraged to stand for their community to create diversity and enable a broad representation of our local community.
Interested in becoming a Councillor?
Becoming a Councillor is a rewarding experience that gives everyday people the opportunity to guide the long term vision and direction of our local communities. Candidates from every corner of our local government area are encouraged to nominate.
If you are interested in becoming a Councillor, an online training tool is available on the Office of Local Government website. This provides prospective candidates with detailed information about running for election and the roles and responsibilities of councils and councillors. Nominations to register as a candidate open on 5 August and close on 14 August.
More information is available on the NSW Electoral Commission website here
Candidate Information Sessions
Edward River Council is holding two candidate information sessions which will be facilitated by the NSW Electoral Commission for those who are interested in finding out more about becoming a Councillor. These sessions are essential if you are considering standing for election at the local government election.
The candidate information sessions will be held on:
Thursday 27 June: 5:30pm - 9:00pm
Friday 28 June: 9:00am - 12:30pm
Please register your attendance here.
Chat with the CEO
Edward River Council CEO Gary Arnold is holding individual discussions with interested residents, to provide more information about what is involved in being a Councillor, and the important role you can play in the growth and future of the Edward River region.
To enquire about a confidential discussion with Gary, please phone Customer Service on 5898 3000.
What it means to be a Councillor
Edward River Council is represented by nine elected Councillors who serve a four year term. They have an important role in advocating for the needs of residents and leading our region into the future.
To ensure our Council is inclusive and reflects the diversity of our community, we encourage a diverse range of residents to consider nominating. We welcome and encourage nominations from people from all walks of life. This includes women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with a disability, veterans, sexually and gender diverse people, people with lived experience and people of all ages over 18.
Once elected, Councillors are supported by Council staff to undertake their duties. An induction process is held to ensure Councillors understand their responsibilities and the work that Council is responsible for.
Councillors together decide on the meeting schedule and time. Currently, ordinary meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month, from 9am.
Councillor handbook
The Office of Local Government’s 2021 Councillor Handbook assists councillors to fulfil their statutory obligations and perform their civic duties to the best of their abilities.
Still interested and after more information?
The NSW Electoral Commission will run a series of online candidate session in the lead up to the 2024 NSW Local Government elections.
To register or view recordings of any of these sessions go to the NSW Electoral Commission webpage.
Find more information at the following links:
OLG Elections
NSW Electoral Commission
Locale Learning