The New South Wales local government elections operate under a system designed to ensure representation for the local community while encouraging a range of candidates to participate.

Candidates often form groups of five on the ballot, which is a strategic move in the NSW local government elections. Candidates who form a group usually share similar values, goals, and visions for their community. They often run together because they believe in each other's capacity to contribute positively to the council. 

By forming a group, candidates can pool their resources, increase their visibility, and appeal to voters as a cohesive team. This approach can help in securing more votes for the entire group rather than just for individual candidates. Additionally, a group of five can potentially secure more positions on the council. If voters support the entire group, more members of that group can be elected, which can significantly influence the council’s direction and decisions.

NSW local government elections use a proportional representation system with optional preferential voting. This system ensures that seats on the council are allocated proportionally based on the number of votes each group or candidate receives. If a group of candidates gets a significant share of the votes, multiple candidates from that group can be elected. With optional preferential voting, voters can choose to either vote for a group as a whole (by marking a single box above the line) or vote for individual candidates (by marking boxes below the line). When voting above the line, preferences are automatically distributed according to the group’s preferences.

It’s crucial to look at the entire group of five candidates when voting, not just the lead candidate. The candidates in a group are not just “stocking fillers” but individuals who share a common platform and vision.

The lead candidate and others have likely selected each other based on their shared commitment to the community and the belief that they can work together effectively if elected. 

If you vote for a group, you’re essentially endorsing the collective values and policies they represent. The entire group’s composition can significantly impact council decisions and the overall governance of the community. 

Each member of the group is expected to have the time, energy, and motivation to serve the community. If you believe in the lead candidate, it’s likely they’ve chosen running mates who will also work hard for the community.

In summary, the formation of groups of five reflects shared values and goals, and the preference system ensures that voting for a group can have a meaningful impact on the council's composition. It’s important to consider the entire group when voting, as each member will play a role in shaping the future of the community if elected.