FOR some fledgling councillors, it was like going back to school and for others, it was just like being in the police force, but all agree they’re prepared for their first meetings.
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Orange and Cabonne councillors elected last week met at induction seminars at their respective chambers on Tuesday.
The workshops covered revised legislation, the code of conduct, policies and processes, roles and responsibilities and meeting practices.
At Molong, former Leichhardt mayor Maire Sheehan addressed seven first-time councillors Peter Batten, Kevin Beatty, Jamie Jones, Paul Mullins, Cheryl Newsom, Libby Oldham and Jenny Weaver, together with incumbents Ian Davison, Anthony Durkin, Marlene Nash, Greg Treavors and Kevin Walker.
“It’s a similar type of thing to policing, I suppose,” retired detective Mr Beatty said.
“I’m feeling quite confident,” Ms Oldham said.
At Orange, new councillors Joanne McRae, Stephen Nugent, Tony Mileto, Sam Romano and Mario Previtera joined incumbents Reg Kidd, Russell Turner, Jason Hamling, Scott Munro, Glenn Taylor, Jeff Whitton and Kevin Duffy.
“There was a lot of talk of kids playing in football finals and getting over the adrenaline of the campaign – the feeling in the room was almost collegial,” Ms McRae said.
She said she was considering standing as deputy mayor.
“I will put my hat in the ring if I have enough support,” she said.
Mr Nugent said councillors had been given three folders to read.
“We were issued with our council iPads, so hopefully that can save some paper,” he said.
He also would consider the deputy’s role, but he wanted to spend the first year focusing on fulfilling his councillor role well.
“The role of the deputy is going to be an important one under this council because the position of the mayor is an external one that focuses on representing the community and it’s important to have someone who can bring the councillors together as a team,” he said.
Both councils will meet on Tuesday – Cabonne at 2pm and Orange at 7pm and councillors will swear an oath of service for the first time.
Cabonne Council will elect its mayor, deputy mayor and delegates to community organisations and councillors Anthony Durkin, Greg Treavors and Ian Davison have already expressed an interest in the leading roles.
Meanwhile, Orange will elect a deputy mayor only, after Cr Kidd was elected mayor by voters.
Cr Duffy has already confirmed he will nominate for the deputy’s decision.