Twelve community representatives will advise Council on the future activation and development of Billilla Mansion in Halifax Street, Brighton.
Bayside Mayor Cr Hanna El Mouallem said the Billilla Advisory Committee was a high calibre group with members including experts in the arts and cultural sector as well as community representatives.
"Billilla is one of the jewels of Bayside. The Advisory Committee will have a fundamental role to play in bringing the Mansion back to the forefront of community use and accessibility - becoming a key site for creative expression and cultural programs," Cr El Mouallem said.
Cr El Mouallem and Cr Alex del Porto are Council's representatives, with Cr del Porto appointed as Chair of the Committee.
Heritage conservation and cultural programming experts Ruth Bain and Theodora Jenkin will join the Committee along with community members: Adam Dunning, Gayle Wilson, Peter Kharsas, Kate Harman, Barry Smith, Margot Burke, Thomas Stamp, Louise Cooper-Shaw, Charles Reis and Craig Jackett.
The carefully considered appointments were made following an expression of interest process calling for residents, community representatives and heritage conservation and cultural programming experts that could represent a range of views and interests with experience that is relevant to the Billilla Advisory Committee's purpose.
The number of community representatives increased from ten to twelve after the interview process, with the selection panel suggesting the quality of applications warranted an increase in the number of positions available.
The Billilla Advisory Committee's purpose is:
· to foster accessible cultural programs and activities at Billilla Homestead
· to provide safe, supported community spaces for local people to engage in a wide range of activities in the building and grounds
· to provide the community with opportunities for creative expression, engagement and lifelong learning in the building and grounds.
Community members have been appointed to the Committee for a three-year term.
