Ever wondered what it’s really like to sit at the table at Coffs Harbour City Council? A special information session next week will give would-be candidates an inside look.
City of Coffs Harbour will hold the one-hour session for prospective by-election candidates on Wednesday, 28 October, from 5.30pm to 6.30pm in the River Oak Room at Yarrila Place.
It will focus on the local Councillor experience. That includes the breadth of the City’s responsibilities and the range of issues, services, and major decisions Councillors get involved in.
“Being a Councillor is an important gig,” said City of Coffs Harbour General Manager Murray Wood.
Mr Wood said Councillors make decisions that affect the community now and help shape the city’s future. He described council as a large, complex organisation covering strategy, finances, infrastructure, services, major projects, and long-term planning.
He urged anyone thinking about running to come along, ask questions, and “get a feel for the role and the responsibility that comes with it”.
The by-election will fill one seat, left vacant when Paul Amos resigned. Polling day is Saturday, 12 December. The new Councillor will serve until the September 2028 general election.
Candidates do not need to be experts in local government. Councillors come from diverse backgrounds and bring different skills, experiences, and perspectives.
The key dates are:
Postal vote applications open on Monday, 26 October. The electoral roll closes on Monday, 2 November, and candidate nominations open the same day. Nominations close on Wednesday, 11 November. Early voting opens on Saturday, 5 December, and closes at 6pm on Friday, 11 December. Postal vote applications close at 5pm on Monday, 7 December.
The NSW Electoral Commission will declare the result on Thursday, 31 December.
Residents who are newly eligible, have moved, or have changed their details should update their enrolment before the roll closes on 2 November. The NSW Electoral Commission will announce voting locations and other arrangements later.
To register for the session and find out more about the by-election, visit coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/Your-Council/Local-Government-By-Election-2026.
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