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
- Schedule of Councillor Information Seminars (PDF 27KB)
- Councillor Information Seminar Program (PDF 32KB)
- Councillor Guide (PDF 925KB)
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.
- Schedule of Councillor Information Seminars (PDF 27KB)
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 Information Seminar Program (PDF 32KB)
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.
- Councillor Guide (PDF 925KB)
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.
- Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships
- Code of Conduct and Acting Ethically
- Making the Most of Meetings
- Financial Management
- Support for Councillors
- Relevant Legislation
- Key Organisations
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.
