Hepburn Shire Council is proud of its diversity and believes that communities are enriched when all people regardless of their background or identity are embraced and supported to participate and contribute to community life. We are seeking additional members to enhance the diversity of representation in this Committee. We are particularly interested in hearing from women, young people, and people who are trans, non-binary, gender-diverse, intersex, queer or bisexual.

The objectives of the LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee are to:

• Advocate on behalf of LGBTIQA+ people within the Hepburn community and beyond
• Provide feedback and advice to Council on its policies, plans and services that impact on the LGBTIQA+ community
• Consider and provide advice on key Government initiatives, programs and reviews that impact on LGBTIQA+ communities
• Consider funding and other opportunities as they may arise
• Assist Council to promote the benefits of diversity and enhance understanding about the barriers to equality facing LGBTIQA+ communities, and
• Promote and assist Council to celebrate LGBTIQA+ days of significance and events.

The LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee is a reference group and not a decision-making body.

Membership includes a Councillor (who will be the Chair) and between eight (8) and ten (10) community members who are committed to working positively to meet the objectives of the Committee.

Membership shall represent the range of interests and needs of LGBTIQA+ people in the Hepburn Shire. Such diversity may include culture, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, employment, life stage, and community groups.

You are invited to submit an Expression of Interest form by 3 May describing how you would contribute to the successful operation of the LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee.

To lodge your Expression of interest, please complete the form below.

Expressions of Interest will be assessed against the selection criteria. Members will be appointed by Council resolution for a minimum four-year term.

Advisory Committee members will be able to demonstrate some (or all) of the following:

• Knowledge and understanding of the needs and issues relevant to LGBTIQA+ equity
• An interest and involvement in local and/or broader community partnerships, advocacy, networks or activities
• The ability to contribute to the strategic development of LGBTIQA+ initiatives at local government level
• Direct links to local community populations and/or organisations, and
• Experience and/or understanding of the role of an advisory committee

Council will appoint members to reflect the diversity of the Hepburn community and different geographical areas across Hepburn. A high level of LGBTIQA+ representation will be encouraged. The committee composition will have a balance between individuals and organisations, and the community and business sectors.

All members of the LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee commit to working in a co-operative and positive manner. Members are expected to:

• Actively participate in meetings and offer opinions and views, and attend a minimum of 50% of meetings
• Treat all persons with respect and have due regard to the opinions, rights and responsibilities of others
• Declare any conflicts of interest or perceived conflicts of interest
• Act with integrity and avoid the release of confidential information, and
• Adhere to the principle of clear and open communication.