Resources for Councillors

Councillor Development Strategy

The Department of Local Government is currently implementing a Councillor Development Strategy to ensure that all NSW councillors elected in September 2008 have timely access to the information needed to understand and undertake their roles and responsibilities effectively. The Strategy also aims to facilitate ongoing professional development for councillors.

The Strategy has been developed in partnership with the Local Government Association of NSW and the Shires Association of NSW.

Key documents and links

Councillor Information Seminars

The Department is conducting half-day councillor information seminars for councillors and their General Managers. All councillors, both new and experienced are expected to attend.

The seminars are being held throughout October and November 2008, in approximately 42 regional and metropolitan locations across NSW.

The seminars are being delivered in an interactive way to facilitate participation and a clear understanding of key information. They focus on the three key topic areas of:

  • Roles, responsibilities and relationships;
  • Code of conduct and ethical decision making; and
  • Making the most of meetings.

Councillor Guide

The Department and the Associations have jointly developed a Councillor Guide for newly elected councillors. The Guide outlines in more detail the topic areas covered at the councillor information seminars. It also includes information about strategic planning and, reporting as well as financial management responsibilities of councils. The Guide includes a skills checklist and information about where to find additional resources.

Web-based Directory of Information for Councillors

The Directory of Information for Councillors is an on-line directory on the Department’s website that includes a broad range of information and resources to assist councillors, as well as contact details and links to relevant agencies and organisations.

The Directory, including all linked documents, has also been distributed on a CD to all Councillors (November 2008).

The Directory index is also linked here for your convenience.

Mosman’s Councillor Induction Program

A comprehensive induction program for Councillors elected at the September elections was organised by Mosman Council staff, SHOROC, and the Department of Local Government.