ALL three councils in our circulation area are set to assume caretaker roles ahead of the 2016 council general elections. As per their adopted Election Period Policies and Procedural Guidelines, Mitchell Shire Council, Macedon Ranges Shire Council and City of Whittlesea Council will enter into caretaker mode from midnight on September 20 to 6pm on October 22, 2016. The policies, which ensure that the election is conducted in an environment that is open and fair to all candidates, restricts the making of decisions that would affect voting in an election and ensures that public resources, including staff resources are not used in an election campaign or in a way that may improperly influence the result of an election, or improperly advantage existing councillors as candidates in the election. With a focus on transparency and accountability, the policies also commit council during the election period to avoid making significant new policies or decisions that could unreasonably bind a future council safeguarding the authority of the incoming council. Nominations for the 2016 council elections open on Thursday, September 15 and close at noon on Tuesday, September 20. Forms and information can be found at www.vec. vic.gov.au/. Once you have completed the forms they must be lodged with the Returning Officer for your council. Prospective candidates are encouraged to attend the Candidate Information Sessions at the following locations. Mitchell Shire potential candidates are invited to Council Chambers, Mitchell Civic Centre, 113 High Street, Broadford on Wednesday, September 14 from 7 to 9pm while Whittlesea candidates are invited to a session on Monday, September 12 from 7 to 8pm at City of Whittlesea, Fountain View Room, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang. Caption Text: Planning ahead: Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes joined Broadford Secondary College principal Mr David Mills following the announcement that ClarkeHopkinsClarke have been appointed architects to design the $4.466 million school upgrade which will include the building of a Literacy and VCAL centre. Ms Symes advised the upgrade will include replacing the existing main school wing and additional maintenance to existing facilities. These works will provide students and staff with significantly improved facilities which are long overdue, Ms Symes said. Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.