City of Newcastle (CN) is seeking conscientious Novocastrians to share their expertise to help shape the future of the city.

Council has opened Expressions of Interest (EoI) for a limited number of community representative positions on six of its advisory committees.

They then provide advice and guidance to the elected council and CN on matters of strategic significance. 

Tactical advisory committees are a key action implemented as a part of CN’s Open and Transparent Governance Strategy, which was adopted in 2017.

New members of the groups will join existing residents and CN staff to continue to help shape key policies and initiatives across the Newcastle LGA.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the volunteer representatives on the committees played an important role in helping council progress the shared vision of the Community Strategic Plan. 

“We’re looking for individuals from all walks of life, including those with experience in or a passion for areas including urban planning, arts, heritage, innovation, smart infrastructure, the environment and transport, as well as champions for access and inclusion and advocates for indigenous issues,” she explained.

“Residents with lived experience or expertise in these areas are an invaluable resource whose perspective or skills can help identify challenges and opportunities for our city and provide guidance during the development of key strategies designed to make Newcastle a better place to live, work in and visit. 

“With a Community Strategic Plan, Newcastle 2040, expected to be finalised later this year following the current period of public exhibition, we’ll have a new shared vision for Newcastle.”

Membership of the committees includes up to three councillors, the Lord Mayor, stakeholders and at least three residents.

Councillor Margaret Wood previously served on the Access Inclusion Advisory Committee as a community member.

She’ll now act as co-chairperson following her election to council in December.  

“I found it was a great opportunity to contribute to change,” Cr Wood said. 

“I felt the diverse perspectives of committee members added a lot of value to the City’s work implementing the first Disability Inclusion Action Plan and in developing the new Action Plan. 

“I encourage people with lived experience of disability to apply to become involved with the Access Inclusion Advisory Committee.” 

EoI to join the advisory committees can be submitted until 20 March.

Further information on the process and eligibility criteria can be found online at www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/have-your-say/projects/city-of-newcastle-advisory-committees

The following committees have casual vacancies for community representatives: 

Access Inclusion Advisory Committee 

• Assists with the implementation of CN’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan and provides guidance on disability inclusion in Newcastle.  

Community and Culture Advisory Committee 

• To provide guidance on the development of strategies, and identification of challenges and opportunities, in relation to cultural planning, arts and cultural opportunities, community pride and local identity, and community involvement which encourages a sense of belonging within the LGA.   

Liveable Cities Advisory Committee 

• Provides guidance on urban planning, heritage, safety, affordable housing and healthy and connected urban systems within the local government area. 

Infrastructure Advisory Committee 

• Provides guidance on built and natural facilities and systems within the local government area, including coastal revitalisation programs, environmental matters, transport, traffic and parking, cycleways delivery and floodplain management. 

Strategy and Innovation Advisory Committee 

• Provides guidance on the development, refinement and implementation of strategies, and identification of challenges and opportunities, in relation to the economic development and diversification of Newcastle as destination leading in innovative technologies, climate action, smart infrastructure, high value investment, and major events and tourism. 

Guraki Advisory Committee 

• Provides guidance on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues and gives life to councillor’s commitment to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of City of Newcastle. 

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