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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 (the Associations) and comprises a number of components.
Councillor Information Seminars
The Department is currently 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. See the Schedule of Councillor Information Seminars below for more information about dates and locations.
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:
See the Councillor Information Seminar Program for more information.
A package of resources is being provided to all councillors on the day of the seminar.
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 (see above). 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.The Guide is being distributed to all NSW councillors on CD and is also available on the Department’s website.
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.Councillor Induction and Professional Development Guide
This publication aims to assist councils to develop and implement induction and continuing professional development programs for councillors. It provides information about how to develop and implement these programs as well as checklists of what to include in each. The Councillor Induction and Professional Development Guide is available on the Department’s website.Further information
If you would like further information about the Councillor Development Strategy please email the Department of Local Government or phone 02 4428 4100.
