Active Transport Reference Group aims is to increase participation in walking and cycling in the Camden LGA, working with and through Council and other agencies to address issues in a consultative, collaborative and action-orientated approach, ensuring that walking and cycling are viable, complementary and practical transport options delivering environmental, health, cost and social benefits.

HOW MANY POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

There are a total of 6 positions available in the reference group

MEETINGS:

The Group meets quarterly with meetings held either online or in-person

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Active Transport Reference Group Position Description

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.

For further information please contact Tom Allen, Team Leader Traffic and Road Safety on 02 4646 5005

The Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park is 200 acres set in the picturesque rural landscape surrounding the Camden Town Centre. The Park caters to equestrian and recreational users with a range of facilities for event and private hire. There are numerous equestrian areas including: cross country; dressage; show jumping; polocrosse; campdraft; rodeo and pony club. These areas are supported by two pavilions which are also available for hire and many kilometres of walking / cycling tracks, tracts of bushland and numerous photography locations.

The Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park Reference Group plays a key role in providing expert advice regarding strategic planning and the delivery of the Parks operations, with a focus on equestrian and event management and further sustainable development of the site. Key equestrian and event organisations are represented on the Reference Group.

MEETINGS:

The Group meets monthly with meetings held in-person of an evening.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park Reference Group Position Description

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you

For further information please contact Kieran Berryman, Community Committees Support Officer on 02 4654 7817

The Camden Access Reference Group works proactively and in partnership with Camden Council and other community organisations to enhance, promote and advise on access and inclusion for people living with a disability within the Camden Local Government Area. The Group aims to provide strategic, expert and impartial advice to Council and be actively involved in the evaluation, implementation and review of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP). The Group also strives to improve public awareness of disability, access and equity issues for people with disabilities and encourage broad ownership of the DIAP through promotional and public educational opportunities.

HOW MANY POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

We are seeking up to 5 volunteers who reside in the Camden Local Government Area. Ideally you will have lived experience, as a Carer or Person with a Disability. You'll be working with service providers who also sit on the committee.

MEETINGS:

The Group meets bimonthly with meetings held either online or in-person.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Camden Access Reference Group Position Description

A valid NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) is required from all applicants. Please upload proof of this under question 6 in the EOI form below.

If you don't currently hold a valid WWCC, please follow here to access the free of charge WWCC register and upload proof of your application.

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.

For further information please contact Lisa Grimson, Community Project Officer – Ageing and Disability, on 02 4645 5009.

Camden Town Farm is located in historic Camden and set in a picturesque rural landscape on the flood plain adjoining the Nepean River. The Farm was originally a 52ha dairy farm which was bequeathed to the local community by the late Miss Llewella Davies. The Farm is home to a herd of cattle, the Camden Community Garden and the Miss Llewella Davies Walkway.

The Camden Town Farm Reference Group plays a key role in providing advice regarding strategic planning and the delivery of the Camden Town Farm with a view to achieving the vision of developing and maintaining the farm for agricultural, tourism and educational purposes. Key to this is the operation and management of the farm in a sustainable manner which retains the unique character of the Farm, and encourages community access, participation and visitation.

MEETINGS:

The Group meets monthly with meetings held in-person of an evening.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Camden Town Farm Reference Group Position Description

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you

For further information please contact Kieran Berryman, Team Leader Camden Precincts on 02 4654 7817

The Camden Youth Reference Group aims to support and facilitate communication between Council and the Camden community about youth issues and youth policy. The group works to plan, organise, implement and evaluate cultural, recreational and social activities/events as a group for young people in the Camden LGA by:

• Assisting Council staff to ensure young people within the Camden LGA have their voices heard on matters that impact them;
• Supporting Camden Council in developing and implementing the Camden Youth Strategy and its subsequent strategic priorities;
• Informing Council staff in regards to youth issues in the community; and
• Engaging in training that will help you as a young leader of the Camden Community, providing the opportunity for both personal and professional development

HOW MANY POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

There are a total of 15 positions available within the reference group. Volunteers must be between the ages of 12 – 24 years of age.

A consent form is required for under 18 years olds to participate.

MEETINGS:

The Group meets monthly with meetings held either online or in-person.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Camden Youth Reference Group Position Description

Listen to Paige share her thoughts on being part of the Camden Youth Reference Group: https://www.facebook.com/camdencouncil/videos/9671...

A valid NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) is required from all applicants over the age of 18 years. Please upload proof of this under question 6 in the EOI form below.

If you are over 18 years and don't currently hold a valid WWCC, please follow here to access the free of charge WWCC register and upload proof of your application.

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.

For further information please contact Blair Avila, Team Leader Community Planning and Development on 02 4654 7709.

The purpose of the Camden Companion Animal Advisory Committee is to provide a community consultative perspective on Council’s strategic direction for the management of companion animals and advise on the development and implementation of companion animal services, facilities, and programs. Committee meetings are held quarterly, and the committee runs to the term of the Council.

This is a great opportunity for animal lovers and animal professionals alike to get involved and work together with Council to improve facilities for companion animals within the Camden local government area.

HOW MANY POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

4 volunteers who reside in the Camden local government area

MEETINGS:

Meetings are in person at the Oran Park Administration Building quarterly on the second Tuesday 11.00am to 12.30pm

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.

For further information please contact Renee Behringer, Team Leader Ranger Services, on 02 4654 7747.

The Events Reference Group supports Council's Events Team who organise and deliver a range of events and activities that aim to meet community needs and interests. The primary objective of the Group is to provide technical advice to Council on a range of events related topics, by providing local knowledge, innovative engagement strategies and action-orientated initiatives.

HOW MANY POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

5 local residents, as well as 2 Councillors

MEETINGS:

Happen on the basis of new events, or proposed events are being considered to be included in the Events program.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Events Reference Group Position Description

A valid NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) is required from all applicants. Please upload proof of this under question 6 in the EOI below.

If you don't currently hold a valid WWCC, please follow here to access the free of charge WWCC register and upload proof of your application.

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.

For further information, please contact Tracy Lewis, Team Leader Events on 02 4645 5687

The purpose of the Floodplain Risk Management Advisory Committee is to assist Council in the review, development and implementation of one or more floodplain risk management plans for the local Camden Government Area, by contributing varied ideas, experiences and local knowledge. The Committee runs to the term of the Council.

If you have an awareness of different forms of flooding and flood behaviours ranging from minor to extreme flooding and knowledge of local catchment flooding issues, we would love to hear from you.

HOW MANY POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

There are a total of 6 positions on the Committee. We are looking for 2 volunteers from each of the following catchments (Refer to the PDF map)

• 2 vacancies for Nepean
• 2 vacancies for Upper South Creek
• 2 vacancies for Narellan

MEETINGS:

The Committee meets quarterly with meetings held in person; people who can't make it can join online. However, we prefer everybody joining in person.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Floodplain Risk Management Advisory Committee Position Description

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.

For further information please contact Maria Pinto, Team Leader Floodplain Management, on 02 4654 5091.

Council’s Heritage Advisory Committee was formed in 2018, with its key purpose to promote heritage and community education by:

• Generating a wider appreciation of heritage through public displays, seminars, participation in the annual National Trust Heritage festival & history week;
• Promoting and coordination of heritage open days;
• Generating a greater understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal heritage in Camden Local Government Area;
• Actively encouraging conservation and maintenance of heritage items and heritage conservation areas to owners and the general public;
• Investigating grant opportunities;
• Investigating opportunities for Council run awards/recognition in response to good heritage work;
• Developing a register of local heritage professionals and tradespeople; and
• Assisting in developing education packages for information, school education, and best heritage practices.

The Committee provides input to Council’s heritage planning functions and its initiatives to date have included:

• Unlock Camden – each year as part of NSW History Week we celebrate Camden’s historic past as well as unlock stories and images and promote the historic locations and buildings in the Camden area
• My Camden Story – an opportunity for residents to uncover their untold stories behind Camden’s rich and diverse history
• Heritage Item Map – Promote Camden’s heritage by improving the community’s access to information.

For more information about the committee, please see the 2018 Terms of Reference.

HOW MANY POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

We are looking for 3 community representatives - one resident in each of the North, Centra and South wards of the Camden Local Government Area.

MEETINGS:

At a minimum the Committee meets quarterly, but generally meetings are held bimonthly. Meetings will aim to be held in-person.

Heritage Advisory Committee Position Description

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.

For further information please contact Clare Aslanis, Team Leader Heritage, Precincts & Rural, on 02 4654 7773.

The Multicultural Reference Group aims to work proactively and in partnership with Camden Council and other community organisations to enhance and promote cultural diversity, acceptance and social cohesion within the Camden Local Government Area.

The goals of the Group are to make Camden a more inclusive community and act as a reference group to assist Council and partners to:

• Build positive and sustainable communities;
• Reduce intolerance;
• Recognise and support cultural diversity;
• Find opportunities for our communities to work together; and,
• Provide relevant feedback on Council events and activities.

Through a variety of mechanisms, the Group aims to build community resilience and strengthen social and community connections and identify meaningful partnerships and opportunities to encourage community participation.

HOW MANY POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

15 volunteers who reside in the Camden Local Government Area.

MEETINGS:

The Group meets monthly with meetings held either online or in-person.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Multicultural Reference Group Position Description

Listen to Sana share her thoughts on being part of the Multicultural Reference Group: https://www.facebook.com/camdencouncil/videos

A valid NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) is required from all applicants. Please upload proof of this under question 6 in the EOI form below.

If you don't currently hold a valid WWCC, please follow here to access the free of cost WWCC register and upload proof of your application.

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.

For further information please contact Huss Dehaine, Community Project Officer - Diversity & Inclusion on, 02 4654 7618.

The Seniors Reference Group organises and delivers a range of events and activities that support the health and wellbeing of older residents in the Camden LGA. The focus is on providing information, entertainment and socialisation opportunities with the support of Council staff.

The Seniors Reference Group will be representative of older residents of the Camden LGA, providing knowledge of their strengths and challenges to inform Council and appropriately and responsively plan events and activities.

HOW MANY POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

11 volunteers who reside in the Camden Local Government Area.

MEETINGS:

The group meets monthly with meetings held either online or in-person.

POSTION DESCRIPTION:

Seniors Reference Group Position Description

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.

For further information please contact Lisa Grimson, Community Project Officer - Ageing & Disability on 02 4645 5009.

To express an interest in joining an Advisory Committee or Reference Group you'll need to complete an EOI Form and and submit supporting documents which outline skills and experience in your chosen areas.

When completing your EOI, we suggest the following steps:

1. Decide which committee(s) or group(s) interests you. We've set the form up so you can complete it just once, regardless of how many groups you'd like to join.
2. Read the Position Description(s)
3. Consider the general Terms of Reference
4. Take a look at all answers required in the form and prepare answers ahead of time so you can quickly type them in or copy and paste
5. Have your documents ready to upload
6. Make sure to click submit

NOTE: Under 18 year olds will need consent from a parent, carer or guardian. A consent form can be found here.

Nominations will close at 5.00pm, Monday 20 January 2025.

You can complete an online EOI Form, or print a copy, complete it and send it in. Printed copies can be provided by contacting Camden Council on Phone: 02 4645 5092or email volunteers@camden.nsw.gov.au

Once you have submitted the online EOI Form a note will pop up on the screen to indicate completion. We will also send you an email to confirm receipt.

We’re looking for people and/or organisations who can demonstrate:

• Strong community links and networks;
• Current involvement in policy, program or service delivery provisions in a variety of areas;
• A willingness and a passion to constructively participate in an advisory capacity
• An ability and willingness to represent a broad range of views that are representative of community views and needs;
• A strong understanding of the Camden Local Government Area and its social, economic and environmental influences;
• Sound knowledge and understanding on local issues;
• Lived experience and necessary skills of relevance to the Committee you are applying for;
• A willingness to contribute positively to meetings in a fair and unbiased manner;
• An ability to advocate for the community and look beyond personal interests;
• An ability and willingness to encourage community participation and feedback to achieve outcomes relevant to Council’s Community Strategic Plan;
• An ability to undergo volunteer onboarding and training.

If this sounds like you, we would love to receive an expression of interest from you.

What's next once I submit my EOI?

Camden Council staff will review all applications for the Reference and Advisory Groups and once this process is complete the Governance Team will be notified of all potential applicants.

The selected groups require Council endorsement, after which the Volunteer Programs Team will contact successful applicants. Please allow 3-5 weeks from the closing date of the EOI on 20 January 2024 for this process to be finalised.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the Volunteer Programs Team at volunteers@camden.nsw.gov.au

The types of skills and interests useful to each reference group or advisory committee are outlined in the selection criteria of each position description. More information can also be found in the Terms of Reference.

Expressions of Interest will be assessed on the extent to which they meet the Committee’s identified selection criteria in the position descriptions and the questions in the EOI form.

As outlined in the Terms of Reference community representatives are limited to holding a maximum of two concurrent memberships of an Advisory Committee or Reference Group. In some circumstances exceptions can be made.

Nominations will be accepted until 5.00pm, Monday 20 January 2025

If you have any questions about the EOI process, please contact the Volunteer Program Team on : 02 4645 5092 or email volunteers@camden.nsw.gov.au

If you have a problem with completing the online form please call Charmaine on 02 4654 7790, email engagement@camden.nsw.gov.au or look for the PDF fillable form and email it to volunteers@camden.nsw.gov.au

Council manages broad and diverse volunteer programs ranging from regular and ongoing programs, casual volunteering, or skilled volunteer involvement through its advisory and governance committees.

Council Advisory Committees and Community Reference Groups are an important aspect of community engagement. Council Committees and Groups help achieve positive outcomes and goals that have been set out in the Community Strategic Plan.

While final decisions are made by Councillors, Committees and Groups make recommendations which are reviewed carefully and can make a big difference to achieve:

• A more engaged and informed community;
• More effective strategic outcomes as a direct result of collaborative partnerships; and
• Positive relationships between the community and Council.

A majority of Council’s Committees and Reference Groups are volunteer led. Volunteering has an overarching value to society; it is an expression of social cohesiveness by individuals and groups. It is the action that upholds societies’ values and promotes intangible and tangible benefits for individuals, local communities and organisations. Given the immeasurable benefits from volunteering, strong volunteer management practices play an important role in encouraging and supporting it.

At Council we support our volunteers throughout the volunteer lifecycle, which consists of the following steps:

1. Submit your EOI (link)
2. 2. Volunteer Interview: Getting to know you and us.
3. Other volunteering checks – this is position dependant and could consist of a Working with Children Check. If any checks apply they will be as listed in the position description.
4. Complete your registration pack
5. Do your volunteer training and induction
6. Ongoing support and recognition

For more information on what to expect click on Council’s volunteering page Volunteering » Camden Council (nsw.gov.au)

To meet Council’s WHS requirements and in accordance with Council’s Covid-19 Safety Plans, the community volunteer positions on our Committees, have been identified via risk assessment to be required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or provide evidence of an approved medical contraindication.

If a medical contraindication certificate is provided, it will be assessed against a risk assessment and the decision of whether Council accepts the medical contraindication certificate, will be based on operational needs.

If your Expression of Interest is successful we will seek further information about this.