Council calls for eligible candidates to nominate for councillor vacancy

Central Highlands Regional Council recently endorsed the nomination process for filling the upcoming councillor vacancy created by Councillor Natalie Curtis’s resignation which takes effect 31 March 2023. 

As Cr Curtis’s resignation takes effect with less than 12 months until the next local government election, the vacancy cannot be filled by an ordinary by-election process that many residents may be familiar with.  

Instead, council must invite eligible individuals to nominate for the vacancy and then appoint a new councillor from those nominees. 

If there are multiple nominees, councillors will “vote” for their preferred candidate in an open-to-the-public ballot process. Once a preferred candidate emerges from the ballot process, council will appoint, by resolution, a new councillor. 

Sharon Houlihan, Chief Executive Officer will call for nominations from the community for candidates to fill the vacant councillor position from 31 March 2023. 

‘Once a nomination from an eligible candidate is received, the nominees’ name will be published on council’s website,’ she said.  

‘From there, an open-to-the-public ballot process during a general council meeting will take place in May.  

‘Councillors will select a nominee from this process based on candidate’s statements that must be submitted during the application process, and the new councillor will be appointed by resolution in this meeting,’ Ms Houlihan continued. 

Individuals who meet the eligibility criteria can register as a candidate and be considered for appointment until the end of the current electoral term in March 2024. To be considered for this position, candidates must: 

Mayor Kerry Hayes commented on the necessity for the nominee to be committed to the role when applying. 

‘Local governments need councillors from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of knowledge, skills and experience,’ he said. 

‘As a councillor, you need to have an active interest in community issues. 

‘We are after a candidate with good communication skills and the ability to problem-solve and negotiate when necessary. 

‘The role will require after-hours participation and travelling all across our wide region.  

‘We look forward to welcoming a new councillor come May,’ he continued. 

Applications open online today at 8.30 am and close at 5.00 pm on Sunday, 23 April 2023. 

Visit our website here for more information and to download a nomination form. Printed nomination forms will also be available in all council offices and transaction centres.  

If you have any questions or wish to submit a nomination form, please email [email protected].