Help shape the next decade of economic growth in the City of Whittlesea

The City of Whittlesea invites Expressions of Interest from local residents to join a community focus group to share thoughts on the draft Economic Growth Strategy 2026 to 2036.

This long-term strategy will help shape a stronger economy by backing local enterprise, creating more local jobs and guiding how growth, investment and opportunity are realised across one of Australia’s fastest growing municipalities.

Strong Local Economy is one of the goals of City of Whittlesea Community Vision - Whittlesea 2040. With the proposed changes to the Strategy, Council also need to consult on how this will impact the key directions under the Strong Local Economy Goal.

As well as shaping the draft Economic Growth Strategy the focus group will also consider the impacts on the Community Vision.

Participation

Participation in the Economic Growth Strategy 2026-2036 focus group will be capped at 30 people and participants will be chosen to reflect the diversity of the City of Whittlesea community. This diversity will include age, gender, abilities, cultural background, suburb and household structure.

Applicants must live, work or play in the City of Whittlesea and be aged over 18. Read the full Terms of Reference including eligibility.

Focus Group participants will be required to undertake pre-reading and attend the focus groups in-person and will receive a participatory gift voucher for their time.

Key dates

Applications close 31 May 2026.

All applicants will receive notification of outcome by 5pm 2nd June 2026.

Focus Group will be held Thursday 11 June 2026, 7pm - 9pm at Civic Centre, South Morang