The workshop aimed to clarify what is expected of councillors, new and returning alike, and assist them with the knowledge and skills required of a local government councillor in their role as community leader and corporate governor for the Shire.

A change in state government policy meant the workshop was compulsory for all local government councils this year.

Gerry Holmes, a barrister based at Wollongong University that specialises in Local Government, ran the workshop and believes the policy changes are overdue.

"It has been a long time coming," Mr Holmes said.

"Seven councils were put under administration since the last election. A lot of councillors just don't understand the rules and regulations and were getting themselves in trouble.

"This [workshop] will help ensure that they're leaders and know what their role is."

Mayor Toby Smith said that the workshop would be very useful.

"I think it will be good for the new councillors to know and returning councillors to get up to date. It's very informative," Councillor Smith said.

The Tenterfield Shire Councillors are the first in the entire state to complete the workshop.

"This is unique to Tenterfield, so far," Mr Holmes said.

"Most other councils are waiting for at least another week. By the time most other councils start, Tenterfield will have finished"

"We're setting the trend, another Tenterfield first," Tenterfield Shire Council General Manager Don Ramsland said.