Local government elections will take place in October, and chatter has commenced over coffee and beer about council and candidates.

Stephen Gardner, the current councillor for Tarrengower Ward, which includes the township of Maldon, has confirmed to the [Tarrangower] Times that he does not intend to re-nominate.

This means that other aspiring leaders in the community who are passionate about Maldon can now consider stepping up to fill the vacancy. It’s also an opportunity for Maldon residents and all voters to consider the role of council, what is expected of council and the desired qualities of a councillor. There is a perception that local governments only manage roads, rates and rubbish, but their focus includes a variety of local concerns including libraries, sporting grounds, community centres and everyone’s favourite: planning.

Mount Alexander Shire Council will have a new electoral structure at the council elections this October, moving to 8 wards with one councillor in each ward. Tarrengower Ward will continue to cover the northwest including Maldon, Nuggetty, Baringhup and Bradford, while Loddon River Ward will envelop the [Tarrangower] Times readers in Newstead, Muckleford, Guildford and further southwest of the shire.

Mount Alexander Mayor and current councillor for Loddon River Ward, Matthew Driscoll, does intend to run for council again. He has advice for anyone thinking about putting their hand up to nominate for Tarrengower Ward.

“You need a bit of flexibility, especially if you already have a full-time gig,” he says. “You also need to be able to compromise and act in the best interests of ratepayers and constituents.”

Cr Driscoll also emphasises the need for negotiation and compromise within the council, and says that the current council has been very effective in this area. “You can’t hold grudges, you’ve gotta be able to move on because you need to work with these people for the next four years.”

There are guidelines and strict deadlines for nominations; potential candidates should seek information from Victorian Electoral Commission. Cr Driscoll encourages locals to consider stepping up. “It’s a great role, you meet a lot of people that you wouldn’t normally meet,” he says.

For voters looking to become or remain informed about local government and its processes, there is a grass-roots group in Mount Alexander Shire working to stimulate discussions around what good representation and effective council looks like. Really Local is running a series of free, interactive events across the shire, aiming to help communities work well together. The first is called ‘Why local matters,’ at the Taproom in Castlemaine, 25 June at 7pm. Details at reallylocal.au.

This article appeared in the  Tarrangower Times, 21 June 2024.