By Molly Magennis
Maribyrnong Council has appointed 10 community representatives to the LGBTIQA+ Community Advisory Group.
The council endorsed the establishment of the group late last year, and following a public nomination process in December, 23 applicants were initially received and then narrowed down to the final 10.
The role of the community representatives is to support the council by providing information and advice on the needs, issues and barriers impacting the lived experience of LGBTIQA+ people in Maribyrnong.
Up to three representatives from community controlled organisations will also be involved, with membership from Cohealth, Victoria Police (Footscray) and Koorie Pride Victoria currently being confirmed.
The group will also consist of three councillors, Cr Cuc Lam and Cr Sarah Carter, with Cr Bernadette Thomas being appointed as chair of the committee in a council meeting on February 15.
Cr Thomas said it was vital to have the LGBTIQA+ community working alongside council when developing their LGBTIQA+ Strategy and Action Plan.
“I’m really really pleased that I’ll be working with [Councillor Carter] and Councillor Lam and the newly appointed members of the advisory group,” she said.
“We really need to hear their lived experience and incorporate that lived experience and all their other great ideas that I’m sure they’ll come up with through the process.”
Cr Michael Clarke echoed these sentiments, and was supportive of Cr Thomas’ appointment as chair of the committee.
“This is another demonstration of this council’s commitment to the LGBTIQA+ community and I think that having Councillor Thomas representing and in fact chairing that committee will go along to operationalising the vision of a better future for this particular disparate community.”
Residents are invited to get involved in the engagement and consultation process on the LGBTIQA+ Strategy and Action Plan.
Details: www.yourcityyourvoice.com.au/lgbtiqa
