Information for Candidates

There are many reasons why people stand for Council including the sense of satisfaction from serving the community and the chance to play an important role in the changes occurring within the community. As a Council Member of the Shire of Coolgardie, there is a special and unique responsibility that is much broader than the defined local government boundary.

Please visit the following websites for more information on how you can get involved:

Potential candidates should be aware of their obligations concerning disclosure of electoral donations when standing for Council. Candidates and donors are required to disclose any electoral related gifts promised or received within the six months prior to polling day. 

Potential Candidates are required to complete a candidate induction prior to nomination, further information is available on the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) website.

In accordance with the Local Government Act 1995 the Shire of Coolgardie Code of Conduct for Council Members, Committee Members, and candidates for election, as at February 23 2021 applies to all candidates in the election. Candidates must abide by the Code of Conduct during the election. Candidates that breach the code of conduct during their election campaign, and are elected, may be subject to a complaint under that Code which will be dealt with in accordance with the Local Government Act 1995 and Regulations.

The Shire maintains an Electoral Gift Register that details certain information of electoral gift declarations made by candidates and donors during local government elections. The register is available online below and can also be viewed at the Shire of Coolgardie Administration Offices.

Key Dates:

Saturday, 18 October 2025 Election Day

Related Links:

Frequently Asked questions (FAQs):

Who can nominate to stand as a candidate?

Under the Local Government Act 1995, to be eligible to nominate as a candidate for a local government election, the candidate must be an elector of the district (residential or owner/occupier) and over 18 years of age. A person cannot nominate as a candidate if they:

  • are a member of the Legislative Assembly, the Legislative Council, the House of Representatives or the Senate (or has been elected as such a member but has not yet taken office)
  • are a member of the council of another local government
  • are an insolvent under administration
  • are in prison serving a sentence for a crime
  • have been convicted of a serious local government offence within the last 5 years (unless the court waived the disqualification)
  • have been convicted on indictment of an offence for which the indictable penalty was, or included:
    • imprisonment for life, or
    • imprisonment for more than five years.
  • are subject to a court order disqualifying him or her from being a member of a council because he or she has misapplied local government funds or property.
  • are a nominee of a body corporate.
  • propose standing for two positions on council (unless standing for mayor or president as well as councillor)
  • are currently disqualified by the State Administrative Tribunal from holding office as a member of a council.

How do I nominate as a candidate for Council?

Prior to nominating, all candidates must complete the online candidate induction course from the Department of Local Government, Sport & Cultural Industries (DLGSC) website.

For more information on how to nominate can be found at the following links:

Who is the Returning Officer?

Details and contacts for the Returning Officer for the Shire of Coolgardie will be listed prior to the 2025 election. The Returning Officer will be determined by the WA Electoral Commission, having been appointed by the Shire of Coolgardie to conduct the 2025 elections, as a postal vote election.