Membership of the group will reflect the richness and diversity of our community. We are looking for people who bring different skills and perspectives and want to learn from each other.

The City of Whittlesea SIAG will include a combination of:

• people who are 18 years or older
• people who are well-connected with communities and community groups within the area
• people who identify as First Peoples, LGBTQIA+, living with disabilities or from multicultural or refugee backgrounds
• people who have experienced adversity including mental health challenges, homelessness, unemployment, single parenting, providing unpaid care, over 65 or other circumstances that impact their sense of community inclusion
• people living and working across different parts of the Municipality

All members must either live, work or have a significant connection to the City of Whittlesea.

Group members can only contribute as an individual and not as a representative of groups, organisations or employers.

Councillors and City of Whittlesea staff are not eligible to apply.

There are also personal qualities and skills that are essential for the SIAG to function harmoniously such as:

• an awareness and interest in social inclusion, connection and wellbeing
• willingness to learn and work with others
• a commitment be respectful and collaborate to make decisions
• ability to feel comfortable to operate in a group setting

If any of this sounds like you, or someone you know, please consider applying.

As a group member you will:

• share your experiences, community knowledge and local networks to inform decisions
• help identify local needs, existing initiatives and gaps relating to social connection and social inclusion in our community.
• work together with fellow SIAG members to decide on how funding will be used to support local projects
• receive training to build knowledge and skills and receive payment in recognition of your participation
• make connections with the broader community to share information and collaborate on new ideas and approaches

The SIAG project will be supported by the Council employed SIAG Coordinator and SIAG Project Support Officer.

When will the SIAG meetings be held?

For the first few months the SIAG members will meet fortnightly to establish the group.

• Day: meetings will be on Tuesdays or Thursdays
• Time: either afternoon or evening
• Length: each meeting will be 2 hours

You will be asked about your availability in the EOI so we know what suits everyone.

Where will the SIAG meetings be held?

After the group is formed, members will work together to choose meeting places that suit most people. Only venues that are accessible for everyone will be used and the location might change each time to make it fair for those who live farther away.

If transport is a problem, help will be provided so members can still attend.

This way, the group makes sure everyone feels welcome, no matter where they live or what support they need.

Members of SIAG will need to commit to

• participate in fortnightly meetings from late October to early December 2025-and from mid January to April in 2026, then monthly meetings from May 2025
• commit to being part of the SIAG for 18 months
• attend trainings to learn and build skills (within meeting hours)
• attend community events to promote the work of the SIAG when possible
• having a willingness to learn and working well with other members

Applications will be assessed according to the criteria, and potential members will be shortlisted. These individuals will then be invited to have a conversation with the SIAG Coordinator and Coordinator of Community Development to determine the right combination of people for the SIAG.

Everyone who completes a EOI will be contacted by 17 Oct 2025.

Group members will receive payment for attending meetings and training in recognition of their skills and contribution.

Costs for expenses such as travel, interpreters/translators, and childcare can also be covered if this supports a member’s participation in the group.

City of Whittlesea is a Child Safe Organisation and is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people in our communities.

All successful applicants will need to undergo a Police Check and hold (or apply for) a Working with Children’s Check. Support will be provided support to complete this.