There is nothing more rewarding than serving in the level of government closest to the community. Local councils need leaders who reflect the diverse nature of their communities and understand what matter to local people.

If you have a keen sense of community and desire to make a difference in your local area, then you should consider becoming a councillor.

Visit Become a councillor for more information.

The NSW Electoral Commission also publishes a range of guidance materials for candidates in the Local Government elections, including advice on eligibility, nomination, election campaign finances, voting and other election process. Go to the NSW Electoral Commission’s website at www.elections.nsw.gov.au.

Pre-election Guide for Councils

• Pre-Election guide-for councils – PDF – 604kb

Post-election Guide for Councils, County Councils and Joint Organisations 

There are several key decisions and activities that need to occur at the first meeting of councils, county councils and joint organisations following the elections and in the 12 months that follow.

• Visit the Post-election guide for councils for more information – PDF – 2.03mb.

Councillor Induction and Professional Development

To support amendments made to the Local Government Act 1993 in August 2016, regulations have been made requiring councils to provide induction training and ongoing professional development to mayors and councillors.

Visit Councillor Induction and Professional Development Guidelines for more information.

• 22-35 Councils’ decisions on the administration of their September 2024 ordinary elections
• 23-05 Ward boundary and name changes
• 24-01 Constitutional referendums and council polls
• 24-04 New local government elections webpage launched on the Office of Local Government’s website
• 24-10 Resources for candidates standing at the local government elections
• 24-15 Post-Election Guide launched on the Office of Local Government’s website

The NSW Electoral Commission has a range of general information about local government elections and advice on enrolment and voting in the elections. Visit the NSW Electoral Commission’s For Voters page for more information.

• Nominations now open for local government elections – Monday, 5 August 2024
• Empowering women to run for council – Friday, 24 May 2024

Local Government Elections – Communication toolkit for stakeholders – PowerPoint – 10.6MB

Animations

About Local Government and the role of a councillor – mp4

Represent your local community as a councillor animation – mp4

Here is a short animation about the role of local government in NSW:

Here is a short animation about the skills required to become a councillor:

Social Media Tiles

NSW councils need more women

NSW councils need more diversity v.1

NSW councils need more diversity v.2

NSW councils need voices from people with a disability

NSW councils need more First Nations people

NSW councils need more young people

Who is representing your voice? – Women

Who is representing your voice? – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Who is representing your voice? – People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Who is representing your voice? – People with disability

Who is representing your voice? – Young people

Special arrangements can be made for our publications to be provided in large print or an alternative media format. Additionally, a translation service is available. If you need any of these services, please contact Client Services on 02 4428 4100. Visit Accessibility for more information.