Expression of Interest (EOI)

We are inviting members of the community to apply for a position on Council’s Access and Inclusion Reference Group as either:

  • a community representative; or
  • a professional representative.

Professional representatives are those employed in a Senior Management or Operational role by a local NDIS Service Provider or a Professional Advocacy organisation.

The Access and Inclusion Reference Group supports Council in the delivery of strategies to reduce barriers and improve accessibility for people with disabilities in the Sutherland Shire.

As a representative, you'll collaborate with experts and Council officials to ensure the views of residents and disability service providers are heard. The Reference Group will provide advice to Council to assist in the delivery of the following outcomes:

  • identifying and addressing barriers to participation in events, programs, services, and infrastructure for people with disabilities in Sutherland Shire,
  • assist in developing and reviewing Council plans, policies and procedures, including the Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP),
  • assist to deliver projects which enhance inclusion and address the needs of people living with disability,
  • raise awareness of access and inclusion barriers in the broader community.

Applications close 5:00pm Sunday 9 February 2025 and roles will commence in early March 2025.  

Eligibility

To be eligible to be a community representative you must:

  • be a resident, landowner, or eligible voter in the Sutherland Shire Council area,
  • be over the age of 18 years old, with lived experience of disability, preference will be given for physical disability, due to numerous topics relating to physical access,
  • be willing to attend and contribute to the Reference Group meetings, held at least four times per year.

To be eligible to be a professional representative you must:

  • be employed in a Senior Management or Operational role by a local NDIS Service Provider or a Professional Advocacy organisation,
  • be willing to undertake relevant training,
  • be willing to provide a current NDIS Worker Check or be willing to undertake this process,
  • be willing to attend and contribute to the Reference Group meetings, held at least four times per year.

We encourage participation in our Reference Groups from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and individuals of diverse ages, cultures and experiences.

Additionally, we would welcome applicants with lived experience who are currently employed or volunteer in a disability specific role.

You will have a responsibility to understand and follow our Code of Conduct for Council Committee Members, Delegates of Council and Council Advisers.

You are ineligible to be a representative on a Reference Group if you:

  • have been employed by Sutherland Shire Council or a joint organisation in the past 12 months; or
  • have a close personal or business relationship with a Sutherland Shire Councillor or a person who has a senior role at Sutherland Shire Council that may lead to a real or perceived conflict of interest; or
  • are currently providing, or in the past 3 years have provided, any material goods or services – including consultancy, legal, internal audit or advisory services – to Sutherland Shire Council which directly affect subjects or issues considered by the Committee; or
  • are employed in any role that may lead to a real or perceived conflict of interest.

About the role

Term

Representatives will be appointed for up to a four-year term and can be reappointed for one further term, however, the total period of continuous membership cannot exceed eight years. Representatives who have served an eight-year term must have a two-year break from serving on the Reference Group before being reappointed. We will advise successful applicants late February / early March 2025 with your role to commence soon after.

Meeting frequency

The Reference Group meets at least four times a year, or if significant unexpected issues arise, additional meetings will be called. Meetings will be held at Council’s Administration Building in Sutherland Shire.

As a representative, you are expected to read and review documents provided before each meeting.

Membership

The Reference Group will be composed of the following members:

  • Five Councillors (including a Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson)
  • Director Community
  • Senior Manager Community Connections
  • Council Officers
  • Two community representatives
  • Professional representatives

Training & Support

We will provide induction training to assist you as a new representative and offer ongoing support during your term of appointment.

Remuneration

This is a voluntary position, there is no remuneration.

How to apply

Apply online to be a representative 

Contact us with any questions you have KChapman@ssc.nsw.gov.au or by phone on 9710 0469.