Interested in becoming a councillor?

Every council needs people who are enthusiastic about making a difference in their local community. If you have a passion for your community, a willingness to learn new skills and want to work with others to make a positive difference, Clarence Valley Council encourages you to consider standing for your local council. Council encourages people of all backgrounds, gender, age and ethnic identity to consider becoming a councillor. The community served by Clarence Valley Council is diverse, and this diversity should be reflected in the people elected as councillors.

Anyone who is entitled to vote at council elections in NSW is also eligible to stand for election as a councillor. Before setting off to become a councillor, ensure you are on the electoral roll for the Clarence Valley Council area and be clear that you’re not disqualified from standing for office.

For more information about becoming a councillor, including registration, nominations and the election process, visit the NSW Electoral Commission website. The Office of Local Government and Locale Learning have resources for anyone thinking of standing for election in 2024.

Candidate nominations open in July 2024, please see the NSW Electoral Commission’s website for important deadlines such as when to lodge your nomination form.

Clarence Valley Council will be holding Candidate Briefing Sessions to provide those interested in becoming a Councillor an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of an elected member of Council. Sessions will be held at the below times:

• In-person session in Maclean Council Chambers (2hrs) - 5:30pm Tuesday,  2 July
• In-person session in Grafton Council Chambers (2hrs) - 5:30pm Tuesday, 16 July   
• Online session (1.5hrs) - 5:30pm Wednesday, 17 July

The Office of Local Government also provides an online candidate training tool available for anyone to access via their website https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/public/about-councils/become-a-councillor-section/information-for-candidates/