Shire of Manjimup seeking expressions of interest for community members to join local advisory groups

Passionate community members wanting to provide feedback and share their perspectives with the Shire of Manjimup are being encouraged to apply to join a new set of advisory groups. Expressions of interest have opened for the shire’s new district community advisory groups for Manjimup, Northcliffe, Pemberton and Walpole. Shire president Donelle Buegge said the groups were a rationalisation of about 28 committees in the shire. “It means that we will now have one committee for each town which will be a real focus for that town,” she said. “I think it just gives us a stronger community presence for those advisories.” Each group will be made up of five to nine community members representing a range of views, experiences and interests from their respective district. Aiming to establish a forum for community discussion, the groups will have the opportunity to share feedback on strategic issues and offer advice and insight on local matters. With no councillors involved — though shire staff will assist with administration — Ms Buegge said the committees would be 100 per cent community-led. “This is about getting a true community voice for issues and representations within your towns,” she said. “It sort of follows on from our Blueprints (project), and it’s that activation of our towns that are community-led.” Applicants will need to commit to attending at least two meeting a year, and notes collated from the informal gatherings will be presented to the council to help guide decision-making. Expression of interest forms can be found online at manjimup.wa.gov.au/dcag and can be emailed to info@manjimup.wa.gov.au or posted to the Shire of Manjimup, PO Box 1, Manjimup, WA 6258. The EOI process will close on December 17 at 5pm.