Guidelines
Devonport City Council
These guidelines provide information on protocol, forms of address, and event invitation requirements when requesting the attendance or participation of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, or a Councillor at an event.
Council Representation at Events
The Mayor is the principal representative of Devonport City Council.
If the Mayor is unavailable:
- The Deputy Mayor may attend in the Mayor's place.
- If the Deputy Mayor is unavailable, the Mayor may nominate another Councillor to represent Council.
- When selecting a Councillor representative, the Mayor may consider whether the event relates to a Councillor's portfolio area.
The Mayor's Office will coordinate directly with the nominated Councillor to confirm attendance and ensure they are appropriately briefed for the event.
Forms of Address
Important: Mayoral precedence does not apply at functions coordinated by a State or Federal Government department. In these cases, the relevant State or Federal Member of Parliament takes precedence in the order of proceedings.
When the function is attended by one Council representative
At the first introduction, the following formal titles should be used:
- "The Mayor of Devonport City Council, Councillor [First Name] [Surname]"
- "The Deputy Mayor of Devonport City Council, Councillor [First Name] [Surname]"
Example:
"Mayor [Surname], Councillor Smith, Councillor Brown, and distinguished guests…"
When a Councillor is Representing the Mayor
If a Councillor is attending on behalf of the Mayor, the following introduction is recommended:
"I would like to introduce Councillor [First Name] [Surname], who is representing the Mayor in his/her absence."
After formal introductions, the form of address may follow the preference of the attending Councillor.
How to Submit an Invitation
Due to the number of events held across the municipality each year, early notification is essential (a minimum of four weeks is recommended).
All invitations for the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, or Councillors must be submitted in writing via the Request for Mayor / Councillor Attendance Form below.
Requests should be submitted at least four weeks prior to the event wherever possible. Providing early notice increases the likelihood that the Mayor will be available to attend.
Information Required with Your Invitation
When submitting an invitation, please include the following details:
- Event name and description
- Date, time, and location
- Role requested of the Mayor or Councillor (e.g. speech, opening, award presentation)
- Whether the event is ticketed
- Ticket costs
- Whether the Mayor's ticket is complimentary
- Whether the Mayor's partner is invited to attend
This information assists the Mayor's Office in scheduling and preparing for the event.
For further information or assistance, please contact the Governance Team at [email protected]
