The role of Councillors in Council

Meeting room desk and chairs

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.
Back to top