Newly elected and returning Mayors in NSW can now seek free, confidential, expert advice from a special mentoring service set up by the Local Government and Shires Association of NSW (LGSA) to help equip them with a greater understanding of Local Government and the necessary skills to lead and meet the needs of their communities. 

 

President of the Local Government Association of NSW (LGA), Cr Keith Rhoades AFSM, said following the Local Government elections earlier this month, the LGSA have employed two former Mayors – Ms Genia McCaffery (formerly of North Sydney Council) and Mr Mike Montgomery (formerly of Moree Plains Shire) – with excellent skills and knowledge to provide advice and support to the newly elected heads of councils. 

 

“Ms McCaffery and Mr Montgomery are both former Presidents of the Australian Local Government Association and their respective State Associations. They are both extremely experienced and knowledgeable about Local Government in NSW and Australia-wide,” said Cr Rhoades.

 

“I’m thrilled the LGSA have secured these two highly qualified former Mayors to act as mentors. This service will be of great use to the 152 Mayors across NSW, providing a readily available avenue to seek advice from experienced professionals who can relate to their area of work.”

 

President of the Shires Association of NSW, Cr Ray Donald, said it’s particularly important for incoming Mayors to feel welcomed, confident and supported when entering into a new and challenging role in Local Government, and the Mentor Service will facilitate this.

 

“From understanding complex planning issues and the legislative frameworks Local Government operates within, to effectively working with other elected representatives, staff and community members – it’s a big learning curve when you first step into the Mayoral robes,” said Cr Donald.

 

“The beauty of the Mentor Service is that new Mayors can feel comfortable approaching an experienced mayoral practitioner who is able to draw on their own skills, knowledge and experience and offer a confidential sounding board.”

 

The LGSA will trial the Mentoring Service for six months, after which we intend to extend the service to all elected Local Government representatives.

 

Welcoming the opportunity to act as mentor to the next generation of Mayors in NSW, Ms McCaffery said whether it’s advocating on behalf of the community, lobbying the State Government, dealing with media or simply supporting community events, Mayors play a pivotal role in shaping our local communities.

 

“After 17 years on council, I’m still passionate about the NSW Local Government sector and I’m pleased to be able to use my experience and expertise to assist other Mayors and provide sound advice so they can best meet the needs of their communities,” said Ms McCaffery.

 

Mr Montgomery said now the 2012 council elections have been finalised, there are a large number of councillors becoming first-time Mayors and with that new role comes an expectation of greater leadership, accountability and exposure to the other two spheres of government.

 

“As mentors, we are here to talk through any questions and offer advice so that current Mayors gain a clearer understanding of the political landscape in which they are working, as well as provide confidential advice on the inner workings of Local Government in NSW.” 

 

Mayors can access the Mentor Service by calling the LGSA Director - Corporate Services, Peter Coulton, on 02 9242 4030 or 0419 240 080 or by emailingThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..