Community Advocacy Toolkit

Tips and tools to help individuals and groups support Council’s advocacy and lead their own initiatives.
For more information on advocacy and partnerships, visit:

Why is community advocacy important?

Advocacy is the process of working with key decision makers to drive change to benefit the community. It is an important tool used to raise awareness. Successful advocacy relies on establishing strong partnerships and relationships.

Community advocacy plays a vital role in shaping priorities and influencing decisions through grassroots campaigns and local engagement. These efforts ensure that lived experiences and community needs are reflected in the policies and services that impact everyday life.

Who do I advocate to?

Reaching the right people

The first thing to do is to identify the decision makers. This table can be a good way to understand which level of government is responsible for different services:

Local (Council)State (Victoria)Federal (Commonwealth)
  • Local roads and footpaths
  • Waste collection and recycling
  • Building regulations and planning permits
  • Parks, libraries, and recreational facilities
  • Pet registration and control
  • Local environmental issues
  • Community services (e.g. childcare, aged care)
  • Parking and signage
  • Schools and education
  • Hospitals and public health
  • Police and emergency services
  • Roads, railways, and public transport
  • Conservation and environment
  • Justice and courts
  • Consumer affairs
  • Industrial relations
  • Community services and housing
  • Defence and foreign affairs
  • Immigration and citizenship
  • Trade, commerce, and currency
  • Postal services and telecommunications
  • Medicare and social security
  • Air travel and national infrastructure
  • Funding for education and health (shared with states)

My political representatives

The Victorian Electoral Commission has a useful interactive map to identify who are the relevant State and Local Government representatives for a geographical area - Interactive Map

In Port Phillip, political representatives include:

How do I advocate?

Ways to advocate

Advocacy can take many forms, and creative approaches often make a lasting impression. Connecting with decision makers can take time, so choosing the right tools and channels is important. Below are some ways to advocate for issues that matter to the wider community.

Policy submission

Provide formal feedback or recommendations to influence policy development and decision-making. Tip: Research existing policies thoroughly. Draft a clear and well-supported proposal. Include evidence-based arguments. Consult stakeholders for input. Submit through proper channels (e.g., government portals like Engage Vic).

Social media campaign

Use online platforms to raise awareness, share messages, and mobilise community support. Tip: Use engaging content (images/videos). Create a consistent message across platforms. Use relevant hashtags to increase visibility. Engage with followers by responding to comments/messages.

Media engagement

Contact news outlets to share stories, raise awareness, and reach a wider audience. Tip: Develop a media release that is newsworthy and concise. Offer interviews or op-eds. Provide compelling stories or data. Be available for follow-up questions. Monitor media coverage and respond appropriately.

Write to your local politicians

Share your concerns directly with elected representatives to help shape decisions. Tip: Be concise. State your position, provide evidence, and request specific actions. Personalise the message to make it more impactful. Follow up if necessary.

Meet with your local politicians

Have a conversation with elected representatives to share community views and influence decision-making. Tip: Prepare thoroughly by researching the politician’s stance on issues. Bring supporting documents, be respectful and professional, clearly articulate your points, and follow up with a thank-you note summarising the discussion.

Petitions

Gather community support to show decision makers the strength of public backing for an issue. Tip: Clearly state the issue and desired outcome. Gather as many signatures as possible from diverse groups to show broad support. Use online platforms for wider reach. Present the petition to relevant authority.

How do I support Council’s advocacy priorities?

Council advocates for funding, policy reform, and improved services on behalf of the community. You can explore current focus areas here: Advocacy priorities

Community support plays a powerful role in amplifying Council’s advocacy. By highlighting shared priorities and adding local voices, it helps build momentum for change. When Council and community advocate together, the message is stronger, more unified, and more likely to influence outcomes.

If you’re passionate about one of Council’s advocacy priorities, you can contribute by using the tools in the Ways to Advocate section of this document.

How do I advocate to Council on an issue important to my community?

Building a case

For items of significance to the whole community, the first step is developing a clear plan. Use these prompts to build a compelling case:

Write to Councillors

Residents are encouraged to contact their Ward Councillor about issues they wish to advocate for. In your letter or email, clearly state your position, include relevant evidence, and suggest specific actions. Personalising your message can help make it more impactful.

Find out more about who your Councillors are here - Your Councillors

Submit a deputation or petition

Residents can submit petitions, joint letters, or deputations to formally raise issues with Council. These are tabled at Council meetings and may lead to further investigation or a formal response.

To find out more, visit - Petitions, Joint Letters and Deputations

Speak at a Council meeting

Members of the public can speak during the 'Public Question Time and Submissions' section of Council meetings. This provides an opportunity to ask questions or comment on agenda items directly to Councillors.

To find out more, visit - Request to speak at a Council Meeting