The City of Whittlesea is inviting Aboriginal Peoples and their allies to serve as members of the Whittlesea Reconciliation Group (WRG).

Council has commenced an expression of interest (EOI) process to recruit new members to the WRG ahead of its next meeting in February 2025.

The EOI process will run from 16 December 2024 to 20 January 2025.

​About the Whittlesea Reconciliation Group

The Whittlesea Reconciliation Group was formed in 2001 and has a long and distinguished history of working with Council to advance reconciliation in the community.

In recent years, the knowledge and expertise of WRG members has been instrumental in developing the Aboriginal Gathering Place.

Community members are appointed for an initial one-year term, with the option to extend their membership for two further one-year appointments.

Vision

Purpose

The purpose of the WRG is to provide advice to Council and assist Council to increase understanding of Aboriginal Peoples and Aboriginal culture, as well as bring all people together to support reconciliation.

The WRG embeds a genuine partnership approach with the Aboriginal community in the development of Council’s strategies and plans.

  • Strong community networks and local linkages.
  • Capacity to influence stakeholders that build commitment and engagement with the principles of reconciliation in Whittlesea.
  • A commitment to promoting knowledge, visibility, equality, and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
  • Experience and/or understanding of the role of City of Whittlesea’s external advisory committees.
  • An understanding of local government services and programs.
  • Knowledge and experience relating to State and Commonwealth Government, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policies, frameworks, and strategies.
  • Commitment to providing advice and recommendations to Council in relation to issues and barriers affecting Aboriginal communities.
  • Commitment to assisting to identify opportunities for advocacy, projects and partnerships that reflect the needs of Aboriginal communities.
  • Commitment to informing, consulting, and collaborating with other Advisory Committees and Reference Groups on issues relations to First Nations communities.
  • Must live, work or study in the City of Whittlesea for the duration of their term and be able to attend at least four meetings a year
  • Must be committed to the WRG’s purpose, vision and aims and committed to the City of Whittlesea Employee Code of Conduct
  • Must not be current employees of the City of Whittlesea or an ex-employee who has left the City of Whittlesea within two years
  • Must not be a current Councillor
  • Must have current police and working with children checks

For full eligibility requirements, please refer to the Whittlesea Reconciliation Group Terms of Reference.

The Whittlesea Reconciliation Group Expression of Interest form can be submitted:

  • Online by filling out the electronic EOI form here
  • By printing the EOI form and mailing it to Aboriginal Communities Unit, City of Whittlesea, Locked Bag 1, Bundoora MDC VIC 3083

The full Whittlesea Reconciliation Group Terms of Reference document is available for download here.

EOI Form for WRG

Fill in form online or download a printable version for mailing.