People with lived experience or understanding of the needs of different sections of the Geelong community can get involved through the City’s advisory committees.
Geelong council has put out the call for community members to express their interest in joining the Disability Access and Inclusion, LGBTQIA+ or Women in Community Life advisory committees for a period of two years.
All three committees represent their respective communities, assisting the council in developing policies and strategies to provide equity, access, inclusion, representation, recognition and safety.
Applications are open to any community member aged 18 and over who lives or works in Greater Geelong.
Each advisory committee is chaired by a councillor and guided by Terms of Reference, meeting regularly across the two years.
Councillor Melissa Cadwell, chair of the Women and Community Life portfolio said applications closed on 8 December.
“I encourage community members from the disability and LGBTQIA+ communities, and women of all ages and backgrounds to consider putting your hand up for one of these committees,” she said.
“We need your lived experience or knowledge to increase access for these communities, help have their voices heard and reduce isolation.”
Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the committees benefited from the participation of people from many different backgrounds.
“Inclusion helps to break down barriers that prevent people with disability, women and members of the LGBTQIA+ community from fully participating in community life,” he said.
Visit yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/eoi-advisory-committees for more information.
