Eligibility for becoming a Council Member
To nominate to become a Council Member, you must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Not be disqualified from being an elected member under a provision of the Local Government Act 1995
- Be an elector of the City of Swan (if you are only an elector because you are a nominee of a company, then you are not eligible).
Information for Potential Candidates
The Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS) provides information on elections and becoming a Council Member.
Thinking of running for Council? If you are motivated to make a difference to your street, your neighbourhood, your community and the broader City of Swan, we strongly encourage you to nominate to run for Council.
If you’re considering putting your hand up for the role, watch our short video to learn more about what it means to be a Council Member at the City of Swan.
You can learn more about what's involved in the election process by watching this webinar from WALGA and the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety.
How can I nominate as a candidate?
Candidate nominations open on Thursday, August 28, 2025 and close at 4pm, Thursday, September 4, 2025.
To successfully nominate for Council, you will need the following:
- The completed nomination for election by candidate form. It is recommended that candidates use Nomination Builder to complete their nomination form and construct their candidate profile. This will be available on the WAEC website closer to nominations opening
- A candidate profile (1,000 characters including spaces)
- A deposit of $100.00
- A photograph (optional)
- Include the candidate’s full name and contact information
- Confirmation that you have completed the online course titled Induction for Prospective Candidates.
All nomination applications must be signed by the candidate in front of a witness.
Once you have completed these steps, please contact the Returning Officer to arrange an appointment. Please ensure you bring everything with you to the appointment.
The Returning Officer is Caitlyn Noonan. You can contact them on LGro_Swan@elections.wa.gov.au or 0486 037 390.
What if I would like to nominate but can’t personally attend?
If you are unable to personally attend to nominate, you can appoint an agent to submit your nomination using the Nomination for Election by Agent form. You must also provide written evidence that you have authorised the agent to make your nomination, such as a signed letter.
How will the ballot paper order be determined?
At the close of nominations, the Returning Officer will randomly draw names to determine the order of the ballot paper. This event is open to candidates and members of the public to witness.
This will occur after 4pm at the City of Swan Administration Centre, 2 Midland Square, Midland, on Thursday, September 4, 2025.
Election signage
If you wish to use election signage ahead of the election, please refer to the City of Swan’s Election Signs Policy.
Electoral gift register
Part 5A of the Local Government (Elections) Regulations 1997 requires candidates to disclose any electoral gifts that are received/promised, or given within the disclosure period if:
- The gift relates to the candidate's candidature
- The value of the gift is $300 or more
- The value of the gift is less than $300, but the gift is one of two or more gifts, with a total value of $300 or more, made by one person at any time.
The disclosure period starts six months before polling day, from Friday, April 18, 2025.
For unsuccessful candidates, the disclosure period ends three days after polling day.
For successful candidates, the disclosure period concludes on the day the successful candidate makes a declaration in the prescribed form before taking office.
The disclosure is required to be made:
- Within three days of the making, receipt (or promise) of the gift, once nominations are made
- Within three days of nomination, for gifts made, received (or promised) between April 18, 2025 and the day of nomination.
Disclosure is to be made by completing a disclosure of gifts form and delivered to Stephen Cain, City of Swan Chief Executive Officer, via one of the following ways:
- By email: swan@swan.wa.gov.au
- By post: PO Box 196, Midland, WA 6936
- In person: City of Swan Administration Centre located at 2 Midland Square, Midland during opening hours.
The City maintains an electoral gifts register that details certain information about electoral gift declarations made by candidates during local government elections. The register is available on the City of Swan website.
What if I have a complaint about the conduct of a candidate?
Please submit complaints regarding the conduct of the election, including candidate conduct, to the Returning Officer.
The Returning Officer is Caitlyn Noonan. You can contact them on LGro_Swan@elections.wa.gov.au or 0486 037 390.
What should I expect if I am successful?
If you’re successful in becoming an elected member, you’ll hit the ground running. Your induction will begin on the first business day following the election results. You’ll receive everything you need to get started, including:
- A welcome pack outlining your Induction Program
- Essential electronic equipment and training
- A comprehensive Council Member handbook
- A City email address.
When is the Induction Program?
The Council Member Induction Program will primarily be held on Monday and Wednesday evenings, in line with the current Council meeting schedule.
How often does Council meet?
Council meetings occur each Wednesday evening and run on average for two hours.
- Agenda Forum, first Wednesday of each month
- Ordinary Council Meeting, second Wednesday of each month
- Council briefing sessions, third and fourth Wednesdays of each month
- Special Council Meetings, workshops, committee meetings are scheduled as required, often on a Monday.
What other meetings will I attend?
As a Council Member, you may also attend:
- Ward meetings
- Citizenship ceremonies
- ANZAC Day commemorative services
- End of year School Awards
- External Committees and Groups
- Ratepayer and Community meetings.
