The Mayor takes precedence in local affairs over any other person. This precedence also applies to the Deputy Mayor who has been deputised by the Mayor to represent him/her during any absence.

This precedence does not apply to functions coordinated by a State or Federal Government department and in these cases the local State or Federal Member would take precedence.

When the function is attended by one Council representative

“The Mayor of Wollondilly Shire, Cr [insert first name and surname]”

“The Deputy Mayor of Wollondilly Shire, Cr [insert first name and surname]”

 After the initial introduction the Mayor/Deputy Mayor may be referred to and directly addressed as Mayor/Deputy Mayor [surname] or Mr/Madam Mayor/Deputy Mayor.

When attended by more than one Council representative

Acknowledge the Mayor/Deputy Mayor as above. Councillors can be acknowledged as Councillors Smith, Brown, Jones etc.

When introducing a Councillor who is deputising for the Mayor, example:

“I would like to introduce Councillor [insert first name and surname] who is deputising for the Mayor in his/her absence.”

After formal introductions have taken place, forms of address are at the discretion of the incumbent Mayor or Councillor. The Councillor will confirm with you their current preference.

As the elected Chair of Council, the role of the Mayor is to assist you in celebrating and recognising achievements, milestones and other special occasions. Given the numerous and varied events across the Wollondilly Shire local government area each year, we appreciate that every function/event is unique.

You may request the Mayor to formally open an event, welcome guests or present an award or attend as a special guest only.

All invitations for a Council representative to attend a function or event must be in writing via the online Request for Mayor / Councillors to attend an Event form and should be forwarded to the Mayor’s office with as much notice as possible. We suggest a minimum of four weeks’ notice.

Please advise:

• if the event is a ticketed event
• ticketing costs
• if the Mayor’s ticket is complimentary
• if the Mayor’s partner is also invited to attend the function/event.

When you are preparing any documentation, marketing collateral or signage for an event, please ensure it meets the terms and conditions associated with any grant funding provided for the event or project and Council’s branding guidelines. Please contact our Strategic Communications team via email council@wollondilly.nsw.gov.au for further information on Council’s brand guidelines.

The Mayor is the principal representative of Council and all Councillors support the Mayor. The Deputy Mayor will substitute for the Mayor at a function or event where the Mayor is unable to attend. Where the Deputy Mayor cannot attend, the Mayor will nominate another Councillor taking into consideration whether the function is associated with a Councillor’s Portfolio.

In the event of the Mayor delegating attendance of a function to a Councillor, the Mayor’s office will communicate with the nominated Councillor to ensure that the Councillor is aware and is prepared for the function/event.

 If you would like the Mayor/Councillor to deliver a speech, please advise the following information:

• Length of speech
• Subject of speech
• Where in the proceedings it will be made
• Background of organisation or purpose of the function.

This information should be provided at least two weeks prior to the event. 

To allow the Mayor/Councillor to arrive on time we ask you to consider the most suitable parking area. If parking is restricted, please let us know or suggest a possible alternative.

The Mayor/Councillor should be met by someone from your organisation and escorted to the event, seat or hall as appropriate. We ask that you arrange for the Mayor/Councillor to be introduced to other dignitaries and leaders of your organisation and briefed about the order of the proceedings.

Please advise if a particular dress code is required.