By Cr Bernadette Thomas
There are a number of ways residents can become involved in helping shape decisions about issues they care about – including providing feedback and comments when council is engaging on projects and activities with its community.
Another way is to join a community advisory committee.
They provide the opportunity for a representative group of residents to input directly into Council thinking and planning around specific issues.
This community voice informs and improves Council decision-making.
Council has a number of advisory groups and committees currently supporting its work on LGBTQIA+ issues, active transport, heritage, youth and the arts.
Last year, as chair of the active transport, arts ambassadors, and LGBTQIA+ community advisory committees, I was privileged to work alongside fellow councillors, council officers, and well-informed and engaged community members, who actively and generously shared their time, their life experience, and their ideas.
It was incredibly valuable to be able to hear first-hand what is important to these community representatives who played a key role in helping develop strategies, action plans, and programs and activities and reflecting on decisions made.
Each community advisory committee works to a terms of reference endorsed by council, generally meets a few times a year, and members help to set the agenda for discussion.
Meetings provide an opportunity for members to come together to focus their thoughts, collaborate and build a sense of community and significance around a specific issue.
During February, council will be actively recruiting for community membership for a First Nations Advisory Committee, Disability Advisory Committee and the Active and Healthy Ageing Community Advisory Committee.
If you have an interest in these areas or lived experience or expertise to offer, I encourage you to consider putting your name forward.
You will find more information and application forms at yourcityyourvoice.com.au, along with the deadlines for expressing your interest specific to each committee.
The first applications close on February 10, 2023.
We know community perspectives and input strengthen decisions of council and are looking forward to hearing from you.
In early February, council will also be considering the formation of a Community Flood Recovery Committee.
If endorsed, an expressions of interest for membership from the community will follow soon after.
