Seeking new members for the Koorie Engagement Action Group

The City of Ballarat is calling for expressions of interest for community members to join the Koorie Engagement Action Group (KEAG).  

KEAG is an advisory committee that provides the City of Ballarat with expertise in relevant matters to assist in decision making for the Ballarat community. 

A full Expression of Interest process is held every two years for membership of the committee. There is no limit to how long a community member can participate on the committee. 

Members of the committee have an opportunity to confirm the City of Ballarat’s commitment to Aboriginal reconciliation by continuing the relationship between Council and Ballarat’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

The objectives of the committee include providing recommendation to the City of Ballarat on matters of engagement for Koorie people in the region, overseeing the implementation of Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), promoting understanding within the Ballarat community of Koorie culture, society, and heritage and much more.  

The advice provided to City of Ballarat staff and Council by the committee ensures decisions are considerate of and accountable to the wellbeing and positive outcomes of community reconciliation.  

City of Ballarat Councillor and KEAG co-chair, Cr Belinda Coates, said the committee’s input into decisions and recommendations is invaluable for best practise towards reconciliation. 

“It's so important for Council to receive this input from community members who are directly affected by our decisions,” she said. 

“KEAG provides us with insights and understanding from a perspective that most of us in our city do not have and that is something we as councillors take very seriously. 

“Building the best foundations for present and future reconciliation plans is something we need to make sure we get right and the best way we can do that is by listening to the advice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”  

KEAG consists of a maximum of 10 community members/representatives and one City of Ballarat Councillor as co-chair.  

Members may come from many sectors including, community members, justice, education, arts, health and/or wellbeing, registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) Wadawurrung/Dja Dja Wurrung, Local Aboriginal Networks, BADAC, and more.  

To submit an expression of interest in becoming a member of KEAG, visit www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/KEAG and submit the online application form.  

Expressions of Interest to join KEAG will be accepted from Monday 20 June to Monday 4 July 2022.