Councillors

Weddin Shire elects nine (9) Councillors for a term of four (4) years to oversee and govern Council's affairs in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993. Their decisions direct local policy and the distribution of Council funds so as to ensure Council's objectives and activities are consistent with its obligations to the community.

The role of Councillor

Councillors are the collective policy-makers of Council. They represent the community and advocate the interests of residents and ratepayers during Council decision making. Councillors are accountable to the community for the performance of Council.

It is the role of a Councillor to: -

  1. be an active and contributing member of the governing body;
  2. make considered and well-informed decisions as a member of the governing body;
  3. participate in the development of the Integrated Planning and Reporting (IPR) framework;
  4. represent the collective interests of residents, ratepayers and the local community;
  5. facilitate communication between the local community and the governing body;
  6.  uphold and represent accurately the policies and decisions of the governing body;
  7.  make all reasonable efforts to acquire and maintain the skills necessary to perform the role of a Councillor

The Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Weddin Shire are nominated and elected biennially (every two (2) years) by their fellow Councillors at the Ordinary Council meeting held during the month of September.

The role of Mayor

It is the Mayor's role to: -

  1. be the leader of Council and a leader in the local community;
  2. advance community cohesion and promote civic awareness;
  3. be the principal member and spokesperson of the governing body, including representing the views of Council as to its local priorities;
  4. exercise, in cases of necessity, the policy-making functions of the governing body of Council between meetings of Council;
  5. preside at meetings of Council;
  6. ensure that meetings of Council are conducted efficiently, effectively and in accordance with the LG Act;
  7. ensure the timely development and adoption of the strategic plans, programs and policies of Council;
  8. promote the effective and consistent implementation of the strategic plans, programs and policies of Council;
  9. promote partnerships between Council and key stakeholders;
  10. advise, consult with and provide strategic direction to the General Manager in relation to the implementation of the strategic plans and policies of Council;
  11. in conjunction with the General Manager, ensure adequate opportunities and mechanisms for engagement between Council and the local community;
  12. carry out the civic and ceremonial functions of the mayoral office;
  13. represent Council on regional organisations and at inter-governmental forums at regional, State and Commonwealth level;
  14. in consultation with Councillors, to lead performance appraisals of the General Manager; and
  15. exercise any other functions that Council determines.

The most recent local government election took place on 4 December 2021. The following candidates were declared elected on 21 December 2021 and on 20 April 2022 (an uncontested countback election was held to fill casual vacancies).