The First Nations Committee will bring together a diverse range of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community members to provide advice to the City of Melbourne on matters that may impact First Nations people and communities. This may include the development and implementation of strategies, policies, plans, events, and other relevant documents and activities.

We are looking for a diverse group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members who will bring to the committee specialist and lived experience of health and wellbeing, innovative thinking and a passion for creating improved outcomes for First Nations people and communities.

The committee will comprise a cross-section of up to nine First Nations representatives who collectively represent the broad demographics of First Nations communities including but not limited to: elders, youth, reconciliation, creatives, health and wellbeing, and economic development.

At least half of the representatives will be women.

The Council will make appointments based on merit, skill and expertise.

We are seeking applications from people who identify themselves as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

Aboriginal Melbourne will provide direct support to facilitate the application process and support for participation in meetings.

Applications for membership must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Traditional Owners of the City of Melbourne local government area.
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people who live, work or study in the City of Melbourne’s local government area.
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people with connections to the City of Melbourne local government area.

Applicants must provide a statement supporting the application that contains:

• The reason for applying.
• A list of skills, knowledge and experience that they will bring to the committee.
• Outcomes they hope to see from the work of the committee.

The purpose of the Committee is to provide strategic advice to the administration and Council on First Nations policy and programs. This committee is one of the mechanisms by which Council is seeking to implement the principles of self-determination.

The roles and responsibilities of appointed committee members is to:

• Attend and participate in a compulsory induction workshop, if required, on the committee.
• Understand the role and responsibility of members and Council.
• Abide by the First Nations Committee Code of Conduct (Appendix 1) and other related policies and protocols.
• Attend and participate in meetings of the committee.
• Work cooperatively with other members in achieving the aims of the committee.
• Provide informed and considered advice, ideas and recommendations.

The Committee meetings will take place a minimum of four times per calendar year.

For more information, please review the Terms of Reference and Code of Conduct for the First Nations Committee.

Appointed committee members, other than Councillors and officers, are eligible for a sitting fee of no more than $300 per meeting they attend. Once appointed, members will be eligible for reimbursement of reasonable expenses associated with participation. Reimbursement may include transport, childcare or interpreting services. Please check with Aboriginal Melbourne to discuss your needs and our prior approval requirements.