Event Recap: Why Local Matters

In our recent event titled "Why Local Matters," held in Castlemaine, we brought together community members, councillors, and local influencers to discuss the intricate dynamics between the community and council governance.

Below is a summary of a few discussions during the evening, presented in a Q&A format with Bryn Davies, our moderator, engaging with the panel.

"Welcome everyone. Let's dive right in. Our first question is broad: What makes a good candidate for council, and how do we support good people running?" - Bryn Davies, Really Local

What makes a good candidate for council?

Rosie Annear, Councillor, Deputy Mayor: Good candidates are those who engage well with their community, take their job seriously, and are open to changing their minds on issues. They must work well with fellow councillors. We want everyone to be part of it and to get involved because the council is an extension of our community.

How do we engage the community more effectively with the council?

Rosie Annear, Councillor, Deputy Mayor: It’s about making connections. Meeting people where they are, like in playgrounds or local festivals, helps us bypass traditional methods that may not capture everyone's engagement. Every respectful interaction we have with residents builds trust and encourages further involvement.

Councillors' roles often include dealing with complicated and unpopular decisions. Can you share more about that experience?

Rosie Annear, Councillor, Deputy Mayor: Decisions are not easy. They often require us to consider many perspectives and forego personal preferences for the community's best interests. An important part of our role is demonstrating that we are listening, even if we can't fulfill every request. For instance, prioritising road repairs or development planning comes with its set of challenges and community expectations.

Matthew Driscoll, Councillor, Mayor: Indeed, we operate within very limited parameters and must often make decisions that not everyone is happy with. The council’s role is to balance these needs democratically. I've made decisions that didn't align with my personal views but were in the community's best interest.

How does the council handle the pressures and sometimes hostility from the community?

Matthew Driscoll, Councillor, Mayor: Engaging face-to-face reduces misunderstandings and hostility. Social media can amplify negative voices, but direct conversations usually lead to respectful disagreements, which is healthy for democracy.

Rosie Annear, Councillor, Deputy Mayor: The treatment some councillors receive is often appalling. It deters good people from running. We need to cultivate a culture of respect and understanding. Holding positions and making decisions is incredibly stressful, and the lack of civility only exacerbates that stress.

What about the decision-making process within the council? How is that structured?

Matthew Driscoll, Councillor, Mayor: The process involves thorough preparation by council officers, followed by debates among councillors. Recommendations are published with options, and every planning issue is flagged for public response before a decision is made. Transparency is crucial.

What barriers exist for diverse representations in local councils?

Rosie Annear, Councillor, Deputy Mayor: Financial constraints and the time commitment are significant barriers. The stipend isn't a living wage, which makes it difficult for many to afford to serve as councillors. Additionally, caring responsibilities and other commitments can prevent many from participating fully. We need to support diverse candidates by providing them with the relevant resources and backing.

Matthew Driscoll, Councillor, Mayor: Flexibility is essential. Many councillors juggle their responsibilities with other obligations, and council meetings can now be attended remotely. However, physical presence is often more impactful.

How can we inspire more people to run for council and engage in these conversations?

Matthew Driscoll, Councillor, Mayor: Encouraging people to run is essential. We offer one-on-one sessions with anyone interested in a candidacy to demystify the process and discuss practicalities. Community encouragement plays a crucial role too.

Community engagement has improved through various initiatives. Can you share some successes?

Rosie Annear, Councillor, Deputy Mayor: Yes, initiatives like the Housing Trust and the Climate Emergency Declaration have been significant. These projects involved extensive community consultation and strategic planning, highlighting the council's commitment to addressing local issues.

Jacqueline Brodie-Hanns, Managing Director, Shedshaker: Absolutely. For instance, the Marriage Equality Plebiscite response saw the council facilitating a roundtable involving stakeholders, which was fundamental in making our community more inclusive and responsive.

Audience question: How do we make council decisions more transparent to the public?

Rosie Annear, Councillor, Deputy Mayor: Every decision is documented in the minutes, along with all motions and recommendations. This ensures that the information is accessible to everyone.

To sum up, what last advice do you have for someone considering running for council?

Rosie Annear, Councillor, Deputy Mayor: If you're interested, take the leap. Think about how you can positively impact your community and remember that respect and resilience are key.

Matthew Driscoll, Councillor, Mayor: Focus on being approachable and understanding the community's needs. Being a councillor is about service, not recognition.

Jacqueline Brodie-Hanns, Managing Director, Shedshaker: Emphasise civic education and respectful discourse. It’s about engaging constructively to avoid the polarisation seen in other countries.

That's a wrap

The evening was a valuable reminder of the importance of local governance and community engagement. Through respect, transparency, and active participation, we can continue to build a resilient and inclusive community.