At the City of Melbourne, we define community engagement as "any process that involves the public in problem-solving or decision making". (IAP2). To expand on this, community engagement is a planned process with the specific purpose of working with individuals and groups to encourage active involvement in decisions that affect them or are of interest to them.

• Invite conversations about the role and possibilities of community engagementy.
• Inspire all Melburnians to consider the roles and responsibilities of local government and the community in shaping the city.
• Generate reflections on the principles that underpin good engagement.
• Present different ideas on models of community engagement.
• Create opportunities for participation that are accessible, relevant and timely.
• Activate and involve networks, leaders and experts from across the community.
• Reach and support those not familiar with engagement processes so they can meaningfully contribute.

The policy would apply to all City of Melbourne councillors, staff and contractors responsible for engaging the community on planning, projects, policies, plans and strategies.

It will also provide the community with clarity on Council’s commitment to fostering a culture of deeper engagement and public participation.

We have translated key information and consultation questions into multiple languages and are talking to community organisations, advisory committees and leaders about the best way to reach our diverse community. If you find it difficult to access any of our information or consultation opportunities, please email us at community.engagement@melbourne.vic.gov.au or contact us on 9658 8784 to tell us what would make it easier for you to get involved.

If you'd like to speak to us directly to organise a one-on-one phone interview or a special workshop for your community group, please get in touch.

Call Georgie Meyer, Team Leader of Community Engagement on 9658 9067 or a language interpreter on 9280 0726. You can also email community.engagement@melbourne.vic.gov.au.

Some of the major projects that showcase community participation at the City of Melbourne include:

• Future Melbourne 2026
• COVID 19 Reactivation and Recovery Plan
• Melbourne: A Great Place to Age
• Disability Access and Inclusion Plan
• Transport Strategy 2030
• Queen Victoria Market Renewal Precinct
• Creative Strategy
• Waste and Resource Recovery Strategy
• Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
• Affordable Housing Strategy

Your input is essential in developing the community engagement policy. It will help ensure that the policy aligns with community views, as well as the City of Melbourne objectives and the legislative requirements of the Local Government Act 2020.

We will collect feedback from across all activities and get a third party to provide thematic analysis of this data.

You can stay updated on the development of this policy and Council’s decision to endorse it by following the Participate Melbourne page.

• Three lucky participants will win a $200 Queen Victoria Market voucher by simply having their say.
• Every person who has contributed their views towards Melbourne’s new Community Engagement Policy between 7 January – 3 February 2021 and provided their contact details will be entered into a database.
• Your chances of winning do not depend on any of the answers given in your survey, workshops or pop-up kiosk activities.
• Winners will be selected at random from our contact database after the consultation has closed on Monday 8 February 2021 and notified by phone, email or mail.
• Melbourne City Council employees (and their families) who are directly connected with this consultation are not eligible to win prizes.
• Any prizes that fail to be claimed within eight weeks of the draw date will be redrawn.
• The prizes are not transferable, exchangeable or redeemable for cash.