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 9am, Monday 4 April 2022.

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 4654 7709 or 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.

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 9am Monday 4 April 2022

If you have any questions about the EOI process, please contact the Volunteer Program Coordinator on : 02 4654 7709 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.

The Camden International Friendship Association (CIFA) manages Camden’s relationship with Kashiwa City, Japan.

The role of the Association is to plan, organise, implement and evaluate activities and events that promote friendship between Kashiwa City in Japan and Camden. Activities will be mutually beneficial to both towns and may be of an educational, cultural or other nature deemed to contribute to friendship and peace.

How many positions are available?

There are a total of 12 positions available in the reference group.

When are meetings held?

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

Position Description: Camden International Friendship Association

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

For further information please contact Fiona Devine, Team Leader Community Planning & Development, on 02 4645 5084.

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.

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

VACANCIES: 11 volunteers who reside in the Camden local government area.

POSTION DESCRIPTION: Seniors Reference Group

Interested? We would love to hear from you.

For further information please contact Fiona Devine, Team Leader Community Planning & Development, on 02 4645 5084.

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.

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

VACANCIES: We are looking for 3 community representatives – one resident in each of the North, Central and South wards of the Camden Local Government Area.

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

For further information please contact Heath James, Team Leader Heritage, Precincts & Rural, on 02 4654 7833.

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.

MEETINGS: The Committee meets quarterly with meetings held either online or in-person.

VACANCIES: 3 volunteers who reside in the Camden local government area.

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 Cohesive Communities 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.

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

VACANCIES: 15 volunteers who reside in the Camden local government area.

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Cohesive Communities Reference Group

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.

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.

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

VACANCIES: 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.

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Camden Access Reference Group

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.

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.

When are meetings held?

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

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Camden Youth Reference Group

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

For further information please contact Patrick O’Meara, Community Project Officer (Community Facilities & Youth), on 02 4645 5021.

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 either online or in-person.

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Floodplain Risk Management Advisory Committee

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.

The 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 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 either online or in-person

Position Description: Camden Town Farm Reference Group

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

The Camden Cycling Reference Group provides support to Council by providing informed recommendations based on local and specialist knowledge to address cycling issues in a consultative, collaborative and action-orientated approach. The Group provides direction and support regarding cycling facilities and issues and encourages a greater commitment within the community to the use of sustainable forms of transport.

How many positions are available?

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

When are meetings held?

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

Position Description: Camden Cycling Reference Group

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

For further information please contact Jana Jegathesan, Senior Transport Planning Engineer, on 02 4645 7673.

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 Park is currently in the process of assessment following the recent floods with significant recovery works required in the coming months.

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 either online or in-person.

Position Description: Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park Reference Group

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