New Leaf Indigo has been formed by people with professional and community campaign experience to provide free, non-partisan information, advice and support for people thinking about contesting this year’s local government election.
New Leaf spokesperson Jamie Kronborg, from Beechworth, said the network’s goal was bring about informed, constructive change to the way in which Indigo communities are represented by their council.
“We think one of the best ways to do this is to encourage active competition for the seven councillor positions available so our communities have a clear choice,” he said.
“The New Leaf network includes people from Rutherglen, Wahgunyah, Chiltern, Yackandandah and Beechworth who have campaign knowledge and skills and it’s offering these at no cost to anyone contemplating a run in this election.
“This experience is like a ‘toolkit’ or library for candidates wanting information and support.
“The New Leaf network can help them to do things like build profile and teams, engage their communities, identify issues, communicate values and goals, engage media, plan doorknocking, understand preference allocation, learn how proportional voting works and stage events.
“New Leaf’s offering these opportunities by starting with a campaign skills workshop led by councillor coach and candidate trainer Ruth McGowan at Chiltern Neighbourhood House on Saturday, August 17.
“Ruth has a wealth of experience as a former mayor and councillor and has written a highly successful book about getting elected.
“It’s free, open to anyone and will run for about half a day, including bring-your-own lunch.”
Jamie said interested people can find more information on New Leaf Indigo’s Facebook page, and register for the workshop by emailing newleafindigo@gmail.com.
Victorian Local Government Election 2024
- Voter roll closes August 7.
- Nominations for candidates open on September 9 and close on September 17.
- The election is by postal vote.
- Ballot papers will be mailed to voters by the Victorian Electoral Commission from October 7.
- Voters need to return a completed ballot paper to the VEC by October 25.
