Local councillors , who should have faced elections in September last year , will remain in their positions for several more months after elections were delayed due to COVID-19 .

A new date has been set for Saturday , 4 December , 2021 .

“ We have made the difficult decision to postpone elections until later this year ,” Local Government Minister , Shelley Hancock , announced last week .

“ We have taken this step to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our communities , voters , polling staff and candidates .”

The elections were originally scheduled for 2020 and then delayed until September 4 next month . But the Public

Health Order restrictions faced by greater Sydney and some regional townships have forced a second delay .

Local Government NSW President Linda Scott called on the government to “ commit to holding Covid-safe NSW local government elections before year ’ s end ”.

“ Covid-safe local government elections must be held by the end of the year , to uphold democracy and ensure renewal ,” Cr Scott said .

“ Public health and safety must always come first , but we do not want to reach a situation in which democracy delayed is democracy denied .

“ This latest three-month deferral comes on top of an existing deferral of

12 months from September 2020 , with no guarantee further delays won ’ t be incurred .”

Electronic voting , iVote , will be available for the first time in these elections and the NSW Government has implemented changes to pre-poll to ensure that voters have 13 days to cast their ballot , reducing congestion on polling day .

In this election , 5.2 million voters will cast their ballots as around 5000 candidates vie for 1200 councillor positions across 125 local councils .

These elections are expected to cost $ 57 million , including $ 37 million to deliver them in a COVID safe way .

Elections postponed again : Local Government Minister Shelley Hancock .

Nominations will open on Monday , 25 October , and close on Wednesday , 3 November , 2021 .

Registered nurse Bev Compton preparing a COVID-19 vaccine at Hawkesbury Family Practice .

Wentworth Healthcare is now seeking to hire registered nurses to help with Hawkesbury ’ s vaccination roll-out .

“ We are calling on local registered nurses who can spare even one or two days a week to consider joining the effort to help vaccinate our community ,” Wentworth Healthcare CEO , Lizz Reay said .

“ Competitive casual rates of pay will apply .”

Requirements :

• Current registration with Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia as a Registered Nurse .

• Current CPR certificate .

• Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality .

• Previous experience in a general practice or primary care setting is preferred , but not essential

• Current nurse immuniser certificate is an advantage , but not essential .

Full certified training will be provided through the COVID-19 Vaccination Training Program , developed by the Department of Health , in partnership with the Australian College of Nursing .

Wentworth Healthcare is the provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network which incorporates the Blue Mountains , Hawkesbury , Lithgow and Penrith local government areas . There are 86 general practices and three GP-led Respiratory Clinics delivering COVID-19 vaccinations

Registered nurses can find out more at the Wentworth Healthcare website at nbmphn . com . au / RNsWanted .