First Peoples Advisory Committee

Purpose and scope

The First Peoples Advisory Committee develops and implements priorities for Council relating to Reconciliation, which is consistent with the priorities of the Human Rights Policy. The committee works to strengthen Reconciliation through whole-of-Council and whole-of-community involvement in the implementation of the Human Rights Policy.

Advisory Committee objectives

  • Provide advice to Council through the Merri-bek Human Rights Advisory Committee on access, equity and justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
  • Oversee and assist with the implementation of Council’s projects and strategies for Reconciliation.
  • Identify advocate and promote understanding on issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
  • Promote understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through collaborative effort.
  • Make the most of all opportunities to further Reconciliation within Council, the community, business and with other spheres of government.

Membership

This Advisory Committee is made up of:

  • 1 Councillor, who is the Co-Chairperson
  • 8 First Peoples Community Members, one of whom will Co-Chair
  • 1 representative from 3 Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (proposed organisations Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage, Aboriginal Corporation; Aboriginal Community Elders Service. Victorian Aboriginal Health Service and Ballerrt Mooroop Corporation)

Members

  • Councillor Sue Bolton
  • Wurundjeri Woi wurrung Elders Aunty Gail Smith and Aunty Julieanne Axford
  • Tarlina Gardiner
  • Denice Jospeh
  • Gary John Murray
  • Hope Kuchel
  • Robert Williams
  • Nayuka Hood

Eligibility of First Nations members is not limited to those who live, work or study in the City of Merri-bek.

Community representatives are selected as a result of public invitation and advertising and submitting a written expression of interest.

Members selected by the committee will attend Human Rights Advisory Committee meetings to represent the recommendations of the committee.

The committee meets 4-6 times a year at Merri-bek Civic Centre or at a community venues.

Read the Terms of Reference for our First Peoples Advisory Committee (DOCX 62Kb)