By Steve Holmes
Fellow Villager & Active Lifestyler
Editor – The Villager 

Hey, there future councilors!

Are you ready to embark on a journey to greatness? Well, hold on to your hats because we’ve dug up some mandatory training stuff that you need to complete first! But don’t worry, I reckon that this will we’ll be fun and pretty darn easy – well as easy as possible.

Yes, even existing councilors who are running for re-election need to complete the “So you want to be a councilor” training. It’s in the law, people! So let’s get to it so you can become the best councilors you can be.

Let’s write our Main Beach Future together, you our new division 7 councilor, and the Villagers together singing from the same song sheet.

But first, let’s address the FAQs.

Can you avoid this training stuff? “No way ‘Jos’e” you cannot! But what if you’re a diva and only use Safari or Internet Explorer? Sorry, but this training only likes Google Chrome or Firefox. But don’t sweat it because these browsers are free to download!

Now onto the good stuff, click the links below to access the training modules:

Candidate Training: Module 1 –

• Candidate Obligations 

Candidate Training: Module 2 –

• Councillor Obligations (if elected) 

And if you need a little help, don’t hesitate to contact our fairy godmothers (AKA the support team) at

• LGDCapability@dsdilgp.qld.gov.au or
• call 07 3452 7148.

Now that you’re trained up and ready to go, let’s get inspired and ready to represent your community! Check out this podcast – it has got you covered with chats from councillors, mayors, and council executives across Queensland. You’ll learn what it takes to be a local government hero, the qualifications required, and the positive impacts of engaging with your local community.

We’ve also got first nations people, female leaders, agricultural backgrounds, and governance careers to give you a genuine insight into local government political life. Queensland is looking for candidates of all genders, ages, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences, so let’s make a difference together!

So what are you waiting for? Get involved and be ready for by-election opportunities and the next local government election in March 2024. And don’t forget to leave a rating review on your favourite podcast app to help future candidates.

Let’s get out there and make our communities proud! Let’s put some good old-fashioned accountability back into the responsibility of sitting in the big chair. Integrity is real and it is relevant to the position if you are asking for the currency of votes then it is also an earned currency! I- Just saying!

And who said natural disasters can’t lead to love?

Rachel Chambers fell head over heels for the North Burnett community when disaster struck, proving that even a storm cloud can have a silver lining. She may have been a newbie to the region, but that didn’t stop her from putting her hand up to become mayor. Her determination to make a difference in a predominantly male political arena earned her the nickname “the annoying constituent,” and now she’s the unexpected mayor. Rachel’s story shows us that sometimes the best leaders are the ones who come out of nowhere, with a fresh perspective and a willingness to get their hands dirty. Here’s to hoping she can keep the community in good hands, or at least keep them laughing with her witty one-liners.

Important links

1. Become a councilor Pdf
2. So you want to be a councillor