Join a Council Advisory Committee and support democracy in action
Published on 10 February 2023
Council is actively recruiting for a number of Council Advisory Committee positions, providing residents an opportunity to help shape Council's thinking and planning on specific civic issues.
The Disability Advisory Committee, First Nations Advisory Committee, Maribyrnong Youth Advisory Committee, and the newly formed Active and Healthy Ageing Community Advisory Committee, are all seeking expressions of interest (EOIs) from new members.
Mayor of Maribyrnong, Cr. Sarah Carter said along with providing feedback and comments during engagement on projects and activities, advisory committees are an important way residents participate meaningfully in the decision-making process.
"These committees are a structured way for residents to bring their local knowledge and critical thinking to the table, share their opinions and perspectives, study issues, and provide judicious advice from the community to Council.”
“They are an important tool to help us to gather meaningful contributions from local communities, gain new insights and advice to solve problems or explore new opportunities by stimulating, robust, high-quality conversations.”
Council already has advisory committees in place to support LGBTIQA+ issues, heritage, Active Transport, and youth.
Mayor Carter said hearing directly from residents is extremely valuable when Council is developing its strategies, action plans, programs and activities, both through engagement activities and direct interface. “If you have lived experience or expertise to offer, please consider putting your name forward” she added.
The Maribyrnong Youth Advisory Committee represents the diverse voices of young people within the City of Maribyrnong by advocating for issues affecting them. It is seeking EOIs from locals aged 12-25 years.
Members of the community, particularly those with lived experience of disability, carers, or disability service providers are invited to be part of the Disability Advisory Committee to provide advice on access and inclusion issues for people with disability.
The reactivated First Nations Advisory Committee is also seeking 13 representatives who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, or represent Aboriginal controlled organisations in Maribyrnong, to work with Council to provide strategic advice and guidance on issues impacting First Nations communities and support the implementation of the Reconciliation Action Plan.
Council is also looking for representatives from across the municipality with an understanding of the needs and aspirations of people over the age of 60, to join the newly created Maribyrnong Active and Healthy Ageing Community Advisory Committee.
Each community advisory committee works to a terms of reference endorsed by Council, meets generally up to six times a year, with members helping to set the agenda for discussion.
Meetings provide an opportunity for representatives to come together to focus their thoughts, collaborate and build a sense of community and significance around a specific issue.
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