Stand for Council - It's Rewarding

If you want to make a difference in your community and have a say in local decision-making, consider standing for election as a local government councillor for the Shire of Manjimup.

A councillor’s role is to:

• represent the interests of electors, ratepayers and residents;
• provide leadership and guidance to the community;
• facilitate communication between the community and the council and vice versa; and
• participate in decision-making processes at meetings.

Nominating for Council

If you are contemplating nominating for Council you are encouraged to contact the Chief Executive Officer to arrange a personal briefing on matters including the structure of Local Government, the role of an elected member - responsibilities, accountability, rights, remuneration and how to become a councillor.

To be eligible to nominate you must:

• be 18 years of age or older;
• be an elector of the district ;
• be an Australian Citizen.

For further Information contact Jeremy Hubble, CEO on (08) 9771 7777 or email jeremy.hubble@manjimup.wa.gov.au.

Women in Council - Dare to Make a Difference!

Denise Jenkins has always been a very busy woman with many hats over the years: wife, mother, employee, business owner/manager, coach, player, umpire, member and Chair of numerous boards and committees and a Justice of the Peace.  She is also one of two women councillors currently on the Manjimup Shire Council.

“As kids we were brought up with commitment – you can’t have a say until you’ve had a go”, she says of her philosophy.

Her role in life has evolved with time, but one thing that hasn’t changed is her passion for her community, and her ability to call a spade a spade.  During the timber industry debate Denise was invited to speak at a conservation meeting, where she introduced her beliefs on this polarized issue to the surprise of the audience.

Q. Why join Council?

“I was totally involved as President of the Manjimup Chamber of Commerce, but I realised that you can’t make change from the outside.  Decisions made by the Shire affect businesses.  I wanted the Chamber, Visitor Centre and the Shire to all work together.”

Q. What was the reality of being a Councillor?

“It’s like throwing a basketball player in to play cricket. I knew all about meeting procedures but it’s taken me four years to learn the ropes,” she admitted.  “It’s difficult to look at all sides.  I’ve learnt to ask questions and investigate the issues.

“It’s an excellent forum, a safe environment to speak out.”

Q. What advice has she to offer any woman contemplating life as a Councillor?

• You have to have broad community awareness, and care about your community.
• Be aware of the responsibilities.
• Be prepared to challenge beliefs.
• Avoid stereotyping – we’re all guilty of it.
• Embrace diversity.
• Don’t get carried away with your own importance.
• Don’t expect to know it all.

Q. What is the commitment?

• Its not onerous – read the agenda material – ask questions and listen – the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Management Team are very helpful.
• Attend Council every three weeks for an Information Briefing and Ordinary Council meeting.
• Represent Council on Committees in your special interest area (optional).
• Be available to the constituents – it’s the closest form of government to the people – they can walk in off the street and talk to you and not feel threatened.

Q. Would she do it again?

“I hate the election side of it,” she admits with a grimace.  “But I intend to stand again and expect to be able to contribute much more in this term.  Women can make a difference in challenging Council’s way of thinking.  It is very fulfilling.”

In 100 years of history, 16 women have held office on Council, with Mrs A McKay the first woman Councillor in 1948.  Others include DG Callow, ME Daubney, PJ Rice, PM Jewell, PA Pow, M Larsen,  JM MacDonald, A Rapanaro, MJ Winfield,  G Nidd, AJ Dix, SA Ipsen, HM Nixon, DJ Jenkins and L Daubney.

“Women have so much to offer.  I would encourage other women to nominate.  It’s about quality, not ratios.”

Footnote: Cr Denise Jenkins was re-elected for a four year term on 17 October 2009.