Disability Advisory Committee

What is a Council Advisory Committee?

A Council Advisory Committee exists to advise Council on the needs and lived experience of people who live in the community to:

• inform Council on emerging needs, issues and barriers
• consider and provide advice on key initiatives programs, and best practice
• contribute advice, insights, and perspectives into the development of strategies, plans and policies
• support Council’s commitment in promoting and advocating for equality, inclusion, diversity and human rights

What are the responsibilities of a Committee Member?

The core responsibilities of the Committee are:

• assist Council in understanding the lived experience, local needs and issues associated with the Committee focus areas
• contribute advice and feedback to the development of relevant strategic documents relating to the Committee focus area
• provide a forum to engage and strengthen stakeholder relationships, networks and alliances related to the Committee focus area
• identify and advocate for new initiatives and partnership opportunities with Council, the Victorian Government, community organisations and the private sector
• promote and advocate for inclusive and safe accessible and inclusive cultural experiences, businesses, spaces and places, events and festivals in the city
• provide advice to Council on projects, programs and/or initiatives related to the Committee focus area.

Is this a paid or voluntary position?

Being on a Council Advisory Committee is a voluntary role. Support for costs of child minding and/or transport costs may be available.

What is the expected time commitment?

Advisory Committee members are expected to attend induction, four meetings per year, and an annual debriefing meeting. Some reading of documents for review may be expected between meetings.

How do you handle accessibility requirements for attendees?

Please email access.inclusion@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au if you have accessibility requirements. We will work with you to make sure you face no barriers to participating in an Advisory Committee.

Who is eligible to be on an Advisory Committee?

To be eligible to be on an Advisory Committee, you must have a connection with the City of Maribyrnong. You must have an interest and understanding of the needs, opportunities, and challenges of the community focus area of the Advisory Committee you are submitting an EOI for. Further, specific details are available in each Advisory Committee Terms of Reference. To be on the Active & Healthy Ageing Community Advisory Committee you must be over 55 years old.

What are the key dates for the selection process?

• EOIs open Monday 12 January and close Friday 27 February 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted
• applicants will be notified about the outcome of the EOI by Friday 13 March
• induction* for all successful EOIs is scheduled for Wednesday 18 March, 6pm to 8pm

*If you submit an EOI we encourage you to update your diary with the dates for the induction and the relevant Committee meeting dates and time.

What do I gain from being on an Advisory Committee?

Being on an Advisory Committee provides the opportunity to have an impact on your community, network, and learn about local government. You will also have access to some trainings.

What outcomes can I expect by being part of an Advisory Committee?

Your participation in an Advisory Committee will help shape policy, strategies, plans, and programs.

How are EOIs selected?

EOIs are assessed against selection criteria, including connection to the City of Maribyrnong, relevant skills and experience, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Can organisations participate?

Up to three organisational representatives may be invited to join a committee. These representatives are non-voting members and are selected based on strategic alignment with the Committee’s objectives. Organisations who have strategic alignment will be contacted.

If I am selected to join an Advisory Committee, do I require a Working with Children Check?

Council is a child safe organisation committed to child safety and supporting the best interests of children in all its operations by actively promoting the safety, participation and empowerment of all children, with a zero tolerance to child abuse of any form. Council acknowledges that every child has the right to feel and be safe, especially our most vulnerable.

Advisory Committee members are required to complete mandatory training on child safety.

If you do not have a WWCC, an application can be completed as part of induction. A WWCC is free for volunteers.

When and where are meetings held?

Meetings will take place at Maribyrnong City Council Civic Precinct and Town Hall (CPACH). The meeting schedule for each advisory committee in 2026 is as follows:

Contact the following Council staff if you have questions or would like assistance in submitting an EOI. 

Disability Advisory Committee, Haley Zilberberg P: 03 9688 0317 Text: 0403069790

LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee, Luca Marongiu P: 03 7065 6729

Active & Healthy Ageing Community Advisory Committee, Catherine Dwyer P: 03 9688 0390