There are a number of upcoming information and training sessions for prospective council candidates in Golden Plains Shire prior to October’s Local Government Elections.
The Victorian Local Government Association (VLGA) will hold two free candidate training sessions in Golden Plains Shire. The training sessions are designed to increase understanding of councils and the role of councilors, and will cover both the basics of local government and election candidacy. The two sessions were originally planned to be held in May, however were rescheduled due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The sessions in Golden Plains Shire will now be held in:
Smythesdale
4 to 5.30pm, Tuesday 1 September, 2020
The Well, 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale
Bannockburn
4 to 5.30pm, Thursday 3 September, 2020
Golden Plains Civic Centre, 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn
Attendance at a session is optional, however it is recommended and strongly encouraged that prospective candidates attend one of the events. Interested residents can register for one of the training sessions at vlga.org.au/events-training/2020-candidate-training-dates.
The sessions will also enable prospective candidates to be better prepared for the online mandatory training that will be administered by Local Government Victoria. Under the Victorian Government’s new Local Government Act 2020, all candidates are required to undertake the mandatory training from Local Government Victoria within the last four years prior to nomination.
The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) will hold a separate Stand for Council Information Session online on Tuesday 11 August, 2020, from 10am to 12pm. Council will share more information and details on how to participate in this session closer to the date.
In the 2020 Local Government Elections, Golden Plains residents will elect seven Councillors to represent the entire Shire for the 2020-2024 term.
The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) will open nominations on 17 September 2020, with nominations closing at 12pm, 22 September 2020, at which point Council will enter the Election Period. Elections will take place by postal ballot from 6 October to 23 October, 2020. Residents seeking more information on the election process and to check their enrolment should visit vec.vic.gov.au.