Information for candidates
Standing as a candidate
Being a councillor is an exciting challenge, providing you with an opportunity to represent your community and help shape the City of Whittlesea.
You should consider standing for Council, if you’re:
- an Australian citizen
- aged 18 and over
- on the electoral roll
- have completed the mandatory Local Government candidate training
- looking for an opportunity to contribute to the future direction and development of your community.
There's more information about becoming a local council candidate on the VEC website.
Information sessions for candidates
There are a range of information sessions available if you're interested in standing for Council.
City of Whittlesea candidate information session
The City of Whittlesea will host an information session to support residents who are considering running for Council.
When: Thursday 25 July, 2pm to 4pm
Where: Great Hall, City of Whittlesea Council Offices, 25 Ferres Blvd, South Morang
MAV Stand for Council
We’ve partnered with the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) to deliver the 2024 Stand for Council: Community and Candidate Information Sessions.
The Stand for Council program aims to assist councils attract a diverse range of prospective candidates by providing important information regarding:
- the 2024 council elections
- the role of council
- the responsibilities of being a councillor.
It also aims to build community awareness to understand the important role of voters in delivering local democracy and representation.
Metro north-west Stand for Council session
When: Thursday 18 July 2024, 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Where: Town Hall Broadmeadows, 10 Dimboola Rd, Broadmeadows
Register: via the MAV website
Note: You can attend a session anywhere in the state – you don’t have to attend a local session. All Victorian sessions and registration information is available on the MAV website.
VLGA information sessions
The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) is running a program of events in the lead-up to the 2024 local government elections to support those running for council.
Life as a woman councillor
In this session, women candidates will be provided with an opportunity to hear from previous women councillors about their experiences representing local community. From standing for office, to getting elected and serving as a councillor, the unique experiences of women will be shared in an informal and relaxed environment promoting discussion and sharing of ideas.
When: Wednesday 31 July, 6pm-8pm
Where: Great Hall, City of Whittlesea Council Offices, 25 Ferres Blvd, South Morang
Register for this event
Gender-based canvassing for votes as a woman
In this session, women candidates will learn how to leverage their experiences as women leaders in their community. Women candidates will learn about the importance of understanding the needs and issues in their community, the priorities of rate payers, and how to get out the women’s vote for their campaign.
When: Wednesday 14 August, 6pm-8pm
Where: Great Hall, City of Whittlesea Council Offices, 25 Ferres Blvd, South Morang
Register for this event
Compulsory Local Government Candidate Training
All candidates must complete Local Government Victoria’s mandatory training before they submit their nomination form. For more information, visit Local Government Victoria.
Display of political advertising signage guidelines
The following guidelines have been developed to assist candidates understand the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) and City of Whittlesea Local Laws that apply to the distribution and display of electoral material in public spaces, on public land or alongside highways or road corridors. This includes the holding of events or campaigning in public spaces.