The nominations are in, and the campaigning has well and truly begun. The big question now is 'how are things looking for our next term of councillors?' Well that depends on the voting public.
Seventeen people have nominated for election to Goulburn Mulwaree Council. They will be vying for nine positions. The role of mayor will be determined by the newly-elected councillors.
While these people have thrown their hand up for a leadership role, success will ultimately depend on the community-at-large - everyone who steps up to cast their vote.
The message to all voters is to think carefully about who you will select when you head to the polls. Be mindful that your vote does count, so make sure you choose someone you believe will best meet the needs and expectations of the community moving forward.
Journalists across our network of regional newspapers in NSW have been giving the tier of local government a bit of a health check.
We are interested in what grassroots issues matter to residents outside of the big cities, in our regional towns and villages.
When you go to the polls on December 4, will you be concerned about the makeup of your council?
We crunched the numbers on diversity in local government and spoke to some trailblazers among women councillors, indigenous councillors and young councillors.
Disturbingly, there are several councils in, or recently out, of administration, an exercise that comes at great cost to the community both in terms of dollars and public trust.
We took a look at three case studies, retracing the troubled path of democracy at Wingecarribee, Armidale and Port Macquarie Hastings councils.
We also question what standards of behaviour we expect in the council chambers, after this video of some unseemly behaviour at Bega Valley Shire Council went viral.
People will be encouraged to vote via pre-poll and mail to meet COVID safety, but here's how to vote if you are not fully vaxxed.
At the end of a tumultuous couple of years, and with dramatic events in the State and Federal arenas stealing the headlines, it can be hard to adjust our gaze to matters closer to home.
We'll do our best to bring you as much information as we can to make sure we all have the best representation we can beyond December 4.
Remember your vote counts,
Jackie Meyers
Editor
