We invite EOIs from any members of the community who value engagement. A Community Committee member will be expected to encourage participation within the broader community and will be directly consulted on matters across Council that may be relevant to or directly impacting.

We encourage you to consider which committee is best suited to your areas of interest before applying.

The other community engagement groups which are identified in the Community Engagement Groups Framework include the:

DUBBO REGION INTEREST COUNCILS

Dubbo Region Sports Council: A well-established group of representatives from sporting organisations that has been in operation for 20 plus years. Community members looking to participate should speak to their individual sporting groups and/or associations for more information in the first instance.

Dubbo Region Arts and Culture Council: This is a new group that is to be established, the Charter is being drafted which will outline positions/membership roles and the mechanics for community members and key stakeholder involvement. More information will be available in the coming weeks; join YourSay to be notified of when the EOI opens.

REFERENCE GROUPS

• Community Safety and Crime Prevention Reference Group
• Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group
• Disability Access and Inclusion Reference Group
• Housing Reference Group
• Environmental Sustainability Reference Group
• Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets Reference Group

Reference groups are informal, groups/networks who are regularly kept informed on Council activity being undertaken in areas of interest.

These groups are activated as needed generally over an extended period; for example to participate on strategy development and then implementation. Participation in a reference group may be through a targeted invite or though an opt-in contact database.

A number of reference groups are new, such as the Community Safety and Crime Prevention Reference Group.

Others are similar to former community committees or have similar topics of interest, such as the Disability Access and inclusion Reference Group. The model of the reference group was adopted for these groups as an outcome from a review on structure of the meeting type and the desire for fit-for-purpose engagement methods and approach.

Not all groups will follow the same timeline. When you join YourSay we ask members to select areas of interest. This is how we connect activities with interest areas.

All online submissions will receive an acknowledgement email with a copy of your EOI so you can be assured your form was received.

At the close of the EOI window, Monday 3 February 2025 all submissions will be considered.

All submissions will be notified by Wednesday 26 February 2025.

The structure is formal, with memberships positions and representation from Council.

The meeting will operate under a Terms of Reference and a Code of Meeting Practice which outlines:

• Values and expectations
• Objectives and purpose
• Membership
• Support and administration
• Delegations and reporting
• Meetings
• Order of business
• Confidentiality and communication
• Code of conduct

Look for the 📗Terms of Reference tab to view in full detail.

Each committee will have representation similar too:

• Two Councillors
• A Director of Council (or delegate/staff member)
• A number of community members.

Non-members may be in the form of a minute taker or presenters.

Memberships of each committee are outlined in the Terms of Reference and Code of Meeting Practice.

The primary objective of each committee is outlined in the Terms of Reference and Code of Meeting Practice.

Essentially each committee is expected to be a voice for and advocate on behalf of the broader community or local/specific group.

While these groups do not have delegated authority from Council to make binding decisions, their outcomes, insights, and contributions will inform reports and recommendations, as required, to Council through the relevant staff member.

The Community Engagement Groups Framework hold guiding principles applied across all groups, they include:

• Inclusivity and equity
• Transparency
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Cultural competence
• Sustainability
• Clear objectives and purpose
• Empowerment
• Building trust and relationships
• Feedback loops and accountability
• Local leadership and knowledge

View full Framework here.

Click on the Terms of Reference tab for each committee.

Yes, they are a piece of the engagement puzzle. Our Community Engagement Strategy 2024-2027 outlines the why, what, how and who. Creating these Community Engagement Groups which include Council Committees, Interest Councils and Reference Groups are a targeted approach to identifying and engaging community across the Dubbo Region.