Be the voice of your community by joining an Advisory Committee

Baw Baw Shire Council is now seeking expressions of interest from community members to join its Advisory Committees. 

Advisory Committees are consultative bodies that allow residents to work directly with Councillors and Council Officers to play an active role in improving Council services, programs and policies. 

The role of an Advisory Committee is generally to provide appropriate advice and recommendations to Council on matters relevant to its Terms of Reference to facilitate decision-making by Council. 

An Advisory Committee can also offer specialised advice and assistance with research on issues of interest to Council and the community. 

Following a review of Council’s Advisory Committees at its 12 March Council Meeting, Council resolved to operate four Advisory Committees. At the 26 March Council meeting, Council appointed Councillor representatives to these Advisory Committees.  

Arts and Culture Advisory Committee  

Focused on creating strategies, programs, exhibitions and events that enhance Baw Baw Shire’s reputation as a vibrant centre for arts and cultural activity. 

Councillor representatives: Cr Allen and Cr Sheehan. 

Early Years Advisory Committee 

Dedicated to sharing ideas and knowledge about how early years services provided within the Shire can be improved and provide feedback on projects that impact families. 

Councillor representatives: Cr Pratt and Cr Allen. 

Environmental Voice Advisory Committee 

An opportunity to provide input into the creation and evaluation of environmental initiatives and programs, including the Environmental Sustainability Strategy Action Plan. 

Councillor representatives: Cr Jones and Cr Wilson. 

Place Names Advisory Committee 

The Place Names Advisory Committee is a valuable forum for discussion and recommendations on the naming of Baw Baw Shire's streets, parks, reserves and features. 

Councillor representatives: Cr Wilson and Cr Kingwill. 

Each committee has a Terms of Reference that guides its operations and how it will assist Council. 

Interested community members are encouraged to complete an expression of interest via Baw Baw Connect  

By joining a committee, community members can help shape the future of Baw Baw Shire and influence decisions that affect the community by connecting, collaborating, and working alongside Councillors, Council Officers, and fellow residents. 

Expressions of interest will be accepted until 5pm on Friday 18 April 2025. 

If a high volume of expressions of interest are received, interviews may be conducted to select successful members. Council will endorse the Advisory Committee appointments at a Council Meeting and successful applicants will be contacted directly. 

Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Danny Goss said this was a great opportunity for anyone in the community who was passionate about making a difference.  

"This is a unique opportunity for passionate community members to step forward and play an active role in creating meaningful change. If you care about making a difference, now is the time to get involved," he said.  

“Our commitment to the community goes beyond words—we are wanting to actively collaborate with community members through our Advisory Committees to shape the future of Baw Baw Shire together.” 

“Council recognises the importance of diverse perspectives from all areas of our region. That’s why we are seeking individuals from all walks of life to join our Advisory Committees, ensuring our decisions reflect the richness and diversity of our community.”