Councillors have expressed their appreciation to the members of four advisory committees for their valuable advice and expertise over the past 12 months.
Last night’s council meeting saw the Council recognise the accomplishments of the Kilangitj (formerly Karreenga) Aboriginal Advisory Committee, Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee, Women in Community Life Advisory Committee and the Multicultural Action Plan Advisory Committee.
These committees work to identify barriers to participation and inclusion in Greater Geelong and provide advice to council on access, diversity, inclusion and equality. They are made up of councillors, community members with expertise in the relevant field and City of Greater Geelong staff.
Some of the milestones and activities achieved include:
- The Kilangitj Aboriginal Advisory Committee helped to develop the City’s first Reflect – Reconciliation Action Plan and was involved in an online art exhibition as part of National Reconciliation Week 2020
- The Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee developed a strategy to increase the number of Accessible Adult Change Facilities and purchased floating wheelchairs for use at the beach
- The Women in Community Life Advisory Committee hosted the 2020 International Women’s Day celebration with guest speaker Nova Peris and supported Women in Local Democracy events to encourage more women to run in the 2020 council elections and
- The Multicultural Action Plan Advisory Committee advised on the implementation of the Multicultural Action Plan 2018-2022 and shared information with culturally and linguistically diverse communities about the COVID-19 pandemic.
Future activities include:
- The Kilangitj Aboriginal Advisory Committee plans to research best practice and principles that support partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations
- The Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee will work towards reducing barriers to people with a disability getting a job
- The Women in Community Life Advisory Committee will host the City’s International Women’s Day celebrations and awards in March 2021
- The Multicultural Action Plan Advisory Committee will be involved in Cultural Diversity and Refugee Weeks initiatives in 2021.
The committees have participated in a ‘Strengthening Council Advisory Committees’ project this year, which aims to maximise the contribution of these committees and their members.
Councillor Stephanie Asher – Mayor
The committees have adjusted well to challenges from the pandemic.
These committees play a significant and meaningful role and council thanks each and every member for their hard work and advice over the last 12 months.
Restrictions from the pandemic have thrown up some challenges for the committees, but they’ve continued to meet virtually and make valuable contributions to the community.
Councillor Sarah Mansfield
The committees are one of the many ways council engages with the community to gain input about important issues.
The depth of talent in these advisory committees is significant and members have done outstanding work despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
I’ve valued my time on two of these committees during my previous council term and have learned a lot. I sincerely thank the members of these four groups for giving up a huge amount of time to advise council on a volunteer basis.
