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Stand for Council

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Overview

Local democracy hinges on the need for councils to represent the diverse needs and aspirations of our local communities.

This year’s council elections are an opportunity for Victorians to elect the candidates who they think best represent, at the local level, their vision and interests for a better, stronger and more sustainable future.

In partnership with Victorian councils, the MAV delivered a number of information sessions for the community and prospective candidates. These sessions can be attended either in-person or online.

By attending one of these sessions, participants were provided with information about:

  • Local government and the important role councils play for our local communities
  • The role and responsibility of a Councillor, Mayor, Deputy Mayor and CEO
  • The election process and candidate requirements
  • What newly elected councillors can expect soon after the elections
  • Councillor training and development opportunities.

Please note: These sessions were not the Local Government Compulsory Candidate Training. For more information about this please visit the Local Government Victoria Website

2024 Local Government Elections

Local government, as the tier of government closest to the community, is where democracy starts.

In Victoria, 79 municipalities represent more than six million people. Each Victorian municipality is unique with populations varying from 4,000 to almost 400,000 people.

And local leadership is vital to support the wellbeing of local communities.

Committed, motivated and passionate people that reflect the diversity of our communities are encouraged to stand for council this year.

Every election, the Municipal Association of Victoria, as Victoria’s peak body for local government, supports councils in the election process.

Working closely with the Victorian Electoral Commission we provide resources to better understand the purpose of local government, what is expected of a councillor and the processes for getting elected.

Important Dates:

  • Tuesday 20 August - Candidate Helper available
  • Monday 9 September - Nominations open at 9 am
  • Tuesday 17 September - Nominations, candidate statements, photographs, and questionnaires close at 12 noon
  • Wednesday 18 September - Ballot draw

To find more information about the 2024 Local Government Elections visit the VEC website including the:

MAV Citizen to Councillor Guide 2024

The MAV Citizen to Councillor Guide is a comprehensive resource to becoming a local government councillor in Victoria.

From understanding the role of a councillor to navigating the election campaign, the Guide covers every aspect of becoming a local government representative, ensuring you are well-prepared for the challenges and rewards of public office.

Divided into six sections, the guide enables the reader to delve into the entire content or focus on specific information as the need arises. Beginning with an introductory overview, topics include the roles and responsibilities of local government, how councils work including the legislative framework, the intricacies of being a councillor, council elections and candidate requirements.

Whether you are a first-time candidate in the upcoming council elections, looking to return to role of councillor or a community member with an interest in local democracy, this guide is designed to assist.

MAV Citizen to Councillor Guide 2024

MAV Citizen to Councillor Guide 2024 (PDF - 12MB)

Why Stand?

Retiring councillors tell us about their experience as a councillor.

Cr Timmers Leitch

Lord Mayor Sally Capp AO

Cr Claudia Nguyen

Cr Rohan Leppert

Cr Rob Gersch

Additional links

For more information, please contact Stand for Council at standforcouncil@mav.asn.au.