Local Government Elections are held every four years, where nine local councillors are elected by the community to work together as the governing body of Brewarrina Shire Council.

Councils in NSW provide a wide range of services and activities. What often springs to mind when people think about the role of local government are services such as rubbish collection, road maintenance and rates. However, councils have a much wider and more important role than just rates, roads and rubbish.

Councils work with the community, other councils and different levels of government to deliver services and infrastructure for their communities and to achieve community goals. Councils administer services for planning for sustainable development, providing and maintaining infrastructure, protecting the environment, providing community services and development, and safeguarding public health.

Increasingly, councils are playing a role in not just delivering services to their community but also shaping its future by working with local people to develop and deliver a vision for each area.

Elected councillors represent the needs and wishes of their communities, making significant decisions on their behalf.

If you are passionate about your local community then you already have what it takes to become a councillor.

There are no special qualifications to become a councillor other than a desire and enthusiasm to serve your community. If you are eligible to vote at an election for your council, then you are eligible to stand as a candidate for election to the council.

Serving your community by becoming a councillor is a rewarding and challenging experience. Local councils need leaders who reflect their communities and understand what matters to local people. Leaders who are willing to stand up and make a positive difference.

Being a councillor is a rewarding opportunity to:

• make decisions that help people in your local community
• influence the long-term vision and direction for your community
• learn new skills, such as leadership, public speaking and advocacy
• work with diverse and passionate people on a range of issues
• balance the needs and priorities of your community
• show leadership and make the best decisions for your community

As an elected councillor, you will be required to make a four-year commitment, attend council and committee meetings, read and review the monthly business papers and prepare for meetings, review council’s strategic plans, policies and budget regularly and speak with members of the community about their needs and concerns.

Councillors serve their communities by listening to people in the local area and then representing those views on council.

Councillors are paid an annual fee for their time and work, paid in monthly instalments, as well as cover for some of the expenses incurred while carrying out their duty, such as travel and phone expenses. 

To find out more about becoming a councillor, visit the Office of Local Government’s website here.