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Community-minded citizens can stand for council

Read Gary Van Driel's encouragement to the community-minded citizens to consider standing for council.

By news@gippsland - 5th July 2016 - Back to News

Elections are just around the corner in Latrobe City Council and chief executive officer, Gary Van Driel, is encouraging community-minded citizens to consider standing for council.

Mr Van Driel said now was the time for potential candidates to learn more about what’s involved in standing for council and planning an election campaign.

"Becoming a councillor is a great opportunity to influence the future direction of the local community. If you are older than 18 and on the electoral roll for the council area, the chances are you are eligible to stand for council."

"Professionals and people with a background in business would find the position rewarding, as would individuals with a background or interest in providing services to the community."

Mr Van Driel said Latrobe City Council delivered more than 100 community services and was responsible for more than $1.45 billion worth of infrastructure and assets, and an annual budget of around $130 million.

"There’s a great amount of responsibility to make decisions that lead to the best outcomes for the community. This will be made especially challenging in the rate-capping environment Council will face in its next term."

"Councillors will find that having a broad base of skills and experience to draw from helps make that decision-making process easier."

Council has joined a state-wide Stand for Council campaign to encourage citizens to consider putting themselves forward and to help candidates understand what is involved in becoming a councillor.

"Deciding to stand for council is a big decision. A councillor’s role is exciting, but also demanding, and prospective candidates should find out what’s involved before nominating for election," Mr Van Driel said.

"A dedicated website has been launched where candidates can check their eligibility to stand for council and find about more about the day-to-day activities of a councillor. There is a link to the website on Council’s website or you can visit it direct by going to www.standforcouncil.com.au.

"Council will also host a public information session on 20 July at Council headquarters in Morwell where prospective candidates can hear first-hand from experienced councillors from nearby councils about what the role entails," Mr Van Driel concluded.

In addition to this information session the Victorian Local Governance Association will run pre-election training on Thursday, 7 July from 9.30am at Nambur Wariga Meeting Room at Council Headquarters, Morwell. For more information or to register online visit www.vlga.org.au/Home.

Elections for Latrobe City Council will be conducted by postal voting. Postal voting forms will be sent out in early October and must be returned by 6pm on Friday 21 October 2016.

To find out more about the election process visit www.vec.vic.gov.au

Media Enquiries:

Media Relations Office

Telephone: 5128 5458


Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com



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