Committee members wanted: help make a difference to your community

Published 17 April 2023

I want to

Image: Workshop seV=n collective 2022 Photo Rod Ceballos

Applications are now open for two of our grant assessment committees.

We’re looking to fill 12 community spots on two of our grant assessment committees. The committees include the Community Grants Assessment Panel Reference Committee and the Cultural Development Fund Reference Committee.

If you have experience working in the creative industries or a deep knowledge of local community organisations and an immense passion for contributing to creating a thriving and inclusive City of Port Phillip, then we need you.

You may be eligible to apply for one or both of our committees, you can learn more about each committee and how to apply below.

General committee information

All positions are voluntary, and members are appointed for a term of two years.

Community members who have previously served on the committee may reapply.

Applications for both committees have been extended and now close 11.59 pm Monday 22 May 2023.

Community Grants Assessment Panel Reference Committee

The Community Grants Assessment Panel Reference Committee provides advice, feedback and recommendations on applications for the annual Community Grants Program.

Selected committee members will be able to recommend opportunities for Council to partner with community organisations on projects that enhance diversity, enable community participation and decision making. They will also contribute to the building of healthy, strong and inclusive communities.

Pre-assessing up to 50 applications annually, during August and September which can take anywhere from 25 to 50 hours.
Attending three evening meetings every September.
Committee members will be required to adhere to the Terms of Reference.
Applicants must:
- Live, work, or volunteer in the City of Port Phillip
Individuals are ineligible if they have any financial ties with Council.
- Be committed to supporting and strengthening a diverse community that encourages the participation and inclusion of all residents.
- Be understanding of issues affecting residents in City of Port Phillip including youth, families and children, seniors, women and marginalised community members.
- Have knowledge of local community organisations and groups and an awareness of local networks. 
- Involvement in the local community, including but not limited to clubs, organisations, committees and groups.
- Experience in the administration of community funded projects and or the grants assessment process.

How to apply

If you have a passion for improving the community, you fit the eligibility criteria and you’d like to apply for the Community Grants Assessment Panel Reference Committee

Apply now

Cultural Development Fund Reference Committee

The Cultural Development Fund Reference Committee provides advice, feedback and recommendations on applications for the Cultural Development Fund Grants Program.

The Cultural Development Fund Grants Program consists of three streams of grant applications:

Selected committee members will be able to help support the local creative sector by sharing their expertise and can expect to increase their arts and cultural experience through committee participation.

- Pre-assessing up to 50 applications annually, which can take anywhere from 25 to 50 hours.
- Attending between two to four meetings per year, with an option for additional meetings where required.
- Committee members will be required to adhere to the Terms of Reference.
Applicants must:
- Live, work or volunteer within the City of Port Phillip or demonstrate a strong connection to the cultural life of the City.
Individuals are ineligible if they have any financial ties with Council.
Applicants must:
- Demonstrate experience in cultural and creative industries and / or creative-based festivals and events including in production, programming, marketing, administration or management or precinct-based tourism / promotion.
- Demonstrate experience, passion and enthusiasm for the issues and challenges related to the purposes of the Reference Committee or Panel.
- Have the ability to appreciate a range of interests and factors impacting on the matters under discussion.
- Demonstrate commitment to participative and consultative processes.
Funding and grants, committee, board or volunteer experience would be desirable.

How to apply

If you want to help with growing Port Phillip’s creative industries, you fit the eligibility criteria and you’d like to apply for the Cultural Development Fund Reference Committee.

Apply now

What to expect after applying

Applications for both committees have been extended and now close 11.59 pm Monday 22 May 2023.

Following the closing date, two council officers will review the applications throughout May and June. Once the shortlist of applicants has been established it will be taken to Council on 16 July 2023 for formal endorsement before the final applicants are officially offered their position.

After their appointment, the selected applicants should expect to commence in their new position in either August or September 2023.

Committee members wanted: help make a difference to your community

General committee information

Community Grants Assessment Panel Reference Committee

What the role entails

Eligibility criteria

Assessment criteria

How to apply

Cultural Development Fund Reference Committee

What the role entails

Eligibility criteria

Assessment criteria

How to apply

What to expect after applying