The role of Councillors in Council

Wards

Wards are geographic areas that divide up the City so our elected Councillors each represent approximately the same number of people.

Darebin has 9 Wards and Councillors who represent them.

• Councillors are elected every 4 years.

• The Mayor is elected by the Councillors to lead the Council, usually for a term of one year.

• Individually, Councillors have no power or authority – only when they come together as Council can they make decisions.

The role of a Councillor 

Local Government Act 2020 sets out the role of a Councillor, which is to:

• participate in Council’s decision-making.
• represent the interests of the municipal community in that decision making.
• contribute to Council’s strategic direction through the development and review of key strategic documents of Council, including the Council Plan.

In performing their elected role, a Councillor must:

• consider the diverse interests and needs of the community.
• support the role of the Council and acknowledge and support the role of the Mayor.
• act lawfully and in accordance with the oath or affirmation of office.
• act in accordance with the standards of conduct.
• comply with Council procedures required for good governance.

The role of the Mayor

The Local Government Act 2020 sets out the role of the Mayor, which is to:

• Chair Council meetings and be Council’s principal spokesperson.
• lead municipal community engagement on the development of the Council Plan.
• report to the community, at least once each year, on the implementation of the Council Plan.
• promote Councillor behaviour that meets the standards of conduct set out in the Councillor Code of Conduct.
• assist Councillors to understand their role.
• lead the regular review of the Chief Executive’s performance.
• provide advice to the CEO when the CEO is setting the agenda for council meetings.
• perform civic and ceremonial duties on behalf of Council.