The deadline to nominate as a candidate for this year's local government election is approaching as Orange City Council hosts two more information sessions for prospective councillors.
These sessions are an opportunity to ask current councillors and senior staff what it's really like to be an Orange City Councillor.
The next two Prospective Councillor Sessions are Thursday April 29, 6pm to 9pm and Saturday May 1, 10am to 1pm, both in the Council Chamber on Byng Street.
Both sessions are open to the general public but the May 1 session is facilitated by the Australian Local Government Women's Association Session (ALGWA), and is specifically targeted at women who may be interested in running for election to Orange City Council.
Local government elections are just over five months away with everyone enrolled to vote required to head to the polls on September 4 to elect 11 councillors and mayor.
Orange Mayor Reg Kidd is encouraging anyone who may have an interest in running for Orange City Council in the upcoming election to attend one of these workshops.
"It's a really informative session where you'll hear about what's expected from a councillor and a mayor on a day-to-day basis," he said.
"The process for nominating to run for Council will also be explained and there will be ample opportunities for a range of questions and answers.
"I'd also like to encourage anyone who hasn't yet enrolled to vote to do so quickly. The electoral rolls close at 6pm on July 26 and if you haven't enrolled and are eligible to enrol then you may be fined, but importantly you will miss the opportunity to have your say in your local council.
"To enrol to vote head to the NSW Electoral commission website. "
Local Government NSW facilitator and former mayor of Leichardt Council, Moira Sheehan will run the first half of the workshop covering topics such as legislated responsibilities of candidates and councillors, the election process and the rules around campaigning.
The second half of the workshop will be a forum with a panel consisting of Orange City Council's CEO David Waddell and two councillors.
The session on May 1 will consist of a panel of female councillors from across NSW. The panel members include Orange City Councillor Joanne McRae, Lithgow City Councillor Cass Coleman, former Muswellbrook Councillor Jennifer Lecky and former Mosman mayor Denise Wilton.
