Published on Thursday, 21 August 2025 at 7:00:00 AM
So You’re Thinking About Running for Council?
Here’s what you need to know about the Role of an Elected Member!
If you’ve ever considered nominating for Council, you might be wondering what the role actually involves. Elected Members, also known as Councillors, play a key role in shaping the future of our community, supporting local services, and helping drive regional growth and economic wellbeing for everyone who calls our region home.
Councillors Are the Voice of the Community
Councillors, including the Shire President, work as part of a team. They don’t make decisions on their own; instead, they come together to understand vital information, discuss, plan, negotiate and then make choices affecting everything from roads and community programs to long term planning and local laws.
Their job is to represent the people, make fair and informed decisions, and help guide the Shire’s direction.
What Do Councillors Actually Do?
Here are some of the key responsibilities of a Councillor:
- Plan for the future – help shape long-term strategies and policies
- Approve budgets and local laws – decide how resources are used
- Monitor performance – make sure the Shire delivers on its goals
- Attend meetings – participate in Council and committee discussions
- Engage with the community – listen to residents and represent their views
Important: Councillors don’t manage the day-to-day administration and operations of the Shire, that’s the legislated role of the CEO and Shire staff.
Represent the Community
Councillors act as a bridge between the community and the Council. They’re expected to:
- Listen to local ideas and concerns
- Advocate for their ward (whether town or rural) and the broader district
- Make decisions that benefit the whole community
- Share Council decisions and policies with residents
It’s all about two-way communication; being accessible, responsive, and fair.
Working Together as a Team
Council decisions are made collectively. This means:
- Respectful debate
- Serious consideration of different perspectives
- Voting on issues that affect the Shire
Even if a Councillor disagrees with a decision, once it’s made, they support the outcome as part of the team.
Training and Conduct
Before you can nominate, you’ll need to complete a mandatory online induction. This gives you a clear understanding of the role and what’s expected.
Once you nominate, you’ll receive an Info Pack, which includes:
- The Code of Conduct for Council Members, Committee Members, and Candidates.
- Election and Campaigning guides
- Scrutineer information, and
- Electoral Roll, ballot paper and disclosure information.
If elected, Councillors are expected to:
- Complete the Council Member Essentials training within 12 months of being elected
- Follow the Local Government Act 1995, the Shire of Esperance Code of Conduct, and other relevant policies
- Take part in ongoing training to build their skills and knowledge
- Keep accurate records of their work and communications
Councillors are also expected to promote good governance, be transparent, and maintain respectful relationships with the community and each other.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Being a Councillor is a rewarding way to serve your community and help shape its future. If you’re passionate about local issues and ready to step up, this could be your opportunity to lead and make a real impact.
Learn More
For more information about the role of a Council Member, visit:
🔗 The Role of a Council Member – DLGSC
Further information regarding local government elections can be found on the following websites;
Back to All News