The timing of local government elections on October 24 is likely to be far from lost on many of the region’s armchair philosophers.

The elections obviously represent the start of new four-year terms of municipal governance. But this year’s elections also perhaps mean something more.

They come at a time when regional Victorians will be desperate for home-town direction, leadership and certainty. 

Critically, they will also be looking for a sense of confidence and willingness to move forward and to be part of a winning ‘team’.

As is the nature of our democratic system, the first go-to port of call for many will be local government – the government closest to the people.

It is a scenario of which passionate people who are putting their hands up to be community representatives must be fully aware.

They face the prospect of being key players in a time of socio-economic adjustment and represent a grassroots vanguard in spearheading communities forward.

Federal and state governments and all of our parliamentary representatives will be the big guns firing major volleys to clear the way ahead. 

But as always, it will be what happens on the ground that is going to make all the difference. 

To suggest our prospective new councillors need to have their eyes and ears wide open – perhaps more than ever – would be an understatement.

There is much to consider, learn and understand. 

New councillors must swot up quickly on local government processes and procedures, be fully aware of what they can and cannot do in and outside the chamber and be confident their voice, vote and opinion have respect and weight. Importantly, they must be informed on what’s been, is and might be happening in their communities, to quickly read public sentiment and be prepared to strongly debate controversial issues.

There is always an adjustment period for new councils but in this time of recovery, response and potential growth, especially in our part of the world, there is enormous opportunity for council teams to have a positive impact on their communities.

The voting public should understand that we need all sorts of people to make governance work effectively. 

We need the sanguine and bombastic, the measured and calculating, the quiet and creative. All must have equal voice and be prepared to accept a democratic vote.

Meeting procedure, when strictly adhered to and with all in profound agreement that respect is sacrosanct in the chamber, allows the strongest to the meekest of personalities to shine.

The public also can’t afford to be blasé about where it places its vote.

After elections, some regional councils will experience little change in representation while others will look completely different.

But they will all have a major job and in what hopefully will be a recovery period, none of their responsibilities will be bigger than being powerful advocates for their people.

The entire September 16, 2020 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!