Funny woman Mandy Nolan has no desire to be a councillor, but likes to criticise council and “agitate on the outside”. 

“That’s a vital role,” she said, laughing.

Mandy encourages anyone who’s ever considered running for local council elections to come along to A Night with Mandy Nolan for Prospective Councillors.

It’s a night of stories, insights and laughter for anyone interested in becoming a councillor, held at Lismore City Bowling Club on September 18.

The next local government elections are in September 2020 and all potential candidates, friends, relatives and interested community members are welcome.

The night will include a councillor interview panel with current councillors Isaac Smith, Elly Bird and Neil Marks among those being quizzed by Mandy on the highs and lows of civic leadership.

“I want to make it accessible and fun, which people don’t usually associate with council,” Mandy said. “I won’t let it get bogged down in boring, bureaucratic language - people go to sleep in that.”

Although she said she’s just a community member, Mandy believes there’s nothing more dynamic than getting involved in local politics as an important way to make a difference in your community.

“No-one knows what they are doing when they get into local politics,” she said. “Some of the stories the councillors have can be cringeworthy and people get a chance to ask their burning questions of them.

“Questions like: What kind of challenges will come your way? How do you learn not to take things personally? How do you sit through long meetings without falling asleep?”

Councillor Neil Marks said he was happy to put his hand up to be on the panel on the night.

“Those that think we’re funny will find out we’re not,” he laughed.

“Being on council is a great way to lose every friend and contact you’ve ever had.

“And you get to introduce yourself to family every week and say ‘remember me?’

“But it’s the most rewarding thing you can do to get involved in things you never thought never need to bet involved in.”

Neil said he got into council 11 years ago and for his it was about either “standing outside or going inside and getting involved.

“It can take up as much time as you want it to,” he said. “You need to be available on Tuesday nights, but then it’s up to you how much you want to be involved. 

“I’m on five committees and advisory groups with lots of meetings.

“You can be reasonable busy and the community expect you are at events and seen to be out and about.

“You also spend time answering emails and spend hours reading - people don’t see that. It can take up a fair chunk of time if you allow it to dominate.

“But on council, we can put ideas forward to make our city benefit.

“I’m keen to stay on council - my wife would kill me if I was home on Tuesday nights,” he laughed. 

“My youngest son was born the night before my first council meeting and he’s spent his life growing up with council.

“I love it because of the of decisions you make, not the politics.

“We need people who want to be there making decisions for the right reasons for community.”

Join the fun and learn about the challenges and triumphs of local government in a fun and informal atmosphere at A Night with Mandy Nolan for Prospective Councillors at Lismore City Bowling Club on Saturday, September 18, from 6-8.30pm.

Entry is free and everyone is welcome.