The City of Casey's Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee gives community members a chance to influence matters that affect our community most, and it's your chance to join today.
Expressions of Interest for the new committee, which provides strategic advice to Council on a variety of issues, are open until Sunday 16 June.
Members will have a chance to advocate on matters relating to:
• Social economic disadvantage
• Cultural and linguistic diversity
• People living with a disability and their carers
• Ageing positively
• Sexual orientation
• Indigenous culture
• Social isolation
• Religious diversity
• Gender and Sexual equity
City of Casey Mayor Cr Amanda Stapledon said it's crucial for Council to provide residents with the chance to be a part of these committees to ensure their voices are heard in relation to important matters.
"The Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee helps us ensure that we are in touch with the needs of our community and we're hearing from people who have some of the most important value to add," Cr Stapledon said.
"It is wonderful to hear from our residents about what we're doing well and where we could improve, and I encourage community members with a passion in this area to put their hand up and apply today."
Carmen Powell from Narre Warren South is a member of the current committee and said being a part of the committee gave her a chance to have a voice on inclusiveness in Casey and give back to her community.
"I am very passionate about access and inclusion, embracing all cultures and accepting one another," she said.
"It has been a fantastic experience, which has allowed me to contribute to issues that are being raised in the community.
"I try to look at all angles and it's very important to remember that we're not just representing ourselves, but the entire community. We have to think about how to reach different pockets of the community, including families who are disadvantaged, and non-English speaking ones as well."
Ms Powell said it's been wonderful to see their "contributions being put into action" and said how important it is to represent something and make a difference.
"You can see how we are influencing and making a difference on the ground and it's very satisfying."
Applications for the committee are encouraged from people who have a passion for and understand diversity, access and inclusion and share in Council's vision to contribute to making a difference.
Meetings occur four times a year and can include Councillors and Council officers, with committee members urged to bring big ideas, experience, knowledge and passion to the discussions.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview with the new members confirmed by July 2019.
