City of Whittlesea endorsed a community-friendly update to the Governance Rules at this month’s council meeting to reflect diversity.
Governance Rules control how decisions are made and communicated, and how the elections of Mayor and Deputy Mayor are managed.
To shape the rules, City of Whittlesea consulted with council’s advisory groups including the Whittlesea Interfaith Network, Youth Advisory Committee and Multicultural Network.
Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson thanked those who contributed to the consultation process to enhance community participation and understanding.
“We want to ensure that Council Meeting are more inclusive and accessible, and reflective of our diverse community,” Ms Wilson said.
“That’s why we will now be including an Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners of both the Wurundjeri Willum Clan and the Taungurung people as well as a diversity statement in place of the Lord’s Prayer at the beginning of Council Meetings.”
The new user-friendly rules are written in plain English, and align with the changes to the Local Government Act, which enabled virtual and hybrid meetings.
To view Council’s updated Governance Rules, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au.
