For a newcomer, the role of Mayor or Shire President can be daunting. Providing leadership to Council and good governance to the community are crucial prerequisites for the job. The Western Australian Department of Local Government and Regional Development’s Mayors and Presidents Support Program offers guidance and support to newcomers from mentors who have experience in the role.
Western Australia has 37 new Mayors and Shire Presidents, following this year’s Local Government elections. Senior Project Officer with the Department, Daryl Forrest, said these positions were often more challenging than Councillors expected.
“There’s more involved than what some people think,” he said. “Chairing meetings, providing leadership to the community, dealing with Ministers of the Crown and making speeches all require a high degree of skill. A newcomer may not feel confident with every aspect of the role. By putting them in touch with a mentor, we can make their job easier.”
The Program, which has been running since May this year, involves a mentor visiting the new Mayor’s Council, accompanied by a senior officer from the Department of Local Government and Regional Development. The mentor has usually served two full terms as Mayor or President, which equates to four years’ experience in the job.
Through the use of a questionnaire, discussions, studying relevant documents, and sometimes attending a Council meeting, the mentor builds an understanding of the issues confronting the new Mayor.
While the program is aimed primarily at newcomers, Daryl Forrest believes it could be also helpful for experienced office holders.
“If an experienced Mayor or President faced a particular issue they found difficult, we could put them in touch with a mentor who has dealt with a similar problem,” he said.
The program costs between $750 and $1000 for a two day mentor’s visit, plus necessary air travel.
For further information contact the Department’s Manager of Local Government Support and Development, John Gilfellon, email jgilfellon@dlgrd.wa.gov.au, or telephone (08) 9217 1531.
