Hilltops Council General Manager Anthony McMahon is reminding residents that the NSW Electoral Commission will be accepting nominations for the election from Monday, July 31, to noon on Wednesday, August 9, 2017.

“Nominations open in just over two weeks so now’s the time for those considering standing for election to start familiarising themselves with the election processes and their legal obligations,” Mr McMahon said.

“Nominations must be lodged with the Returning Officer for our Council area. The address of each Returning Officer will be available on the NSW Electoral Commission (NSWEC) website closer to July 31, so keep a look out online at www.votensw.info.

“The NSWEC website has a section entitled ‘The 6 steps to being a candidate’ which walks users through what’s involved in nominating themselves including registration, managing campaign finances and disclosing political donations,” he said.

Mr McMahon said a candidate briefing session, hosted by Council in association with Local Government NSW (LGNSW) will also offer would-be candidates important information.

“The briefing will run through the details of being a councillor; what happens at meetings, responsibilities of a councillor, local government ‘jargon’ and managing conflicts of interest,” Mr McMahon said.

“There will also be information available that’s specific to the Hilltops LGA to ensure attendees walk away from the briefing with a clear understanding of what’s involved specifically in being a councillor in our region,” he said.

The councillor briefing will take place at 5.30pm, Monday, July 17, 2017 at the Young Town Hall.

Attendees should RSVP by contacting Stephanie Howdle (02) 6380 1200 or email: stephanie.howdle@hilltops.nsw.gov.au

Useful resources are also available on the Office of Local Government website at: www.olg.nsw.gov.au.