Inviting the Mayor and Councillors to an Event

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 introducing the Mayor:

1. When the function is attended by one Council representative:
   “The Mayor /Deputy Mayor of Wingecarribee Shire Council, Cr Joe Bloggs” or “Councillor Joe Bloggs”

 After the initial introduction the Mayor may be referred to and directly addressed as Mayor Bloggs or Mr/Madam Mayor.

2. 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.

3. When introducing a Councillor who is deputising for the Mayor, example:
“I would like to introduce Councillor Jane Smith who is deputising for the Mayor in his/her absence.”

4. 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.

If you have invited the Premier, the Minister or any Members of Parliament to your function, there are several protocols that you need to observed during the event. 

Find out more information on how to address members of the Parliament of Australia

Find out more information on acknowledgement protocol (order) 

If you would like the Mayor 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 the Executive Assistant to the GM/Mayor. 

We ask that you give some consideration to the most suitable arrival and departure times. It may be important for the Mayor or Councillor to arrive just before a formal opening to allow time to get everyone into position, or for the Mayor to arrive at a specific time during a function.

Please also advise the estimated duration of the function.

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.

To allow the Mayor 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.

Please advise if a particular dress code is required.

Please feel free to contact the Executive Assistant to the General Manager/Mayor on 4868 0714 or via email if you need to discuss the arrangements.