Information for applicants
Darebin Council has a long-standing commitment and relationship with the diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities of Darebin as articulated in Council’s Statement of Commitment (1998), which was updated in the 2019 Statement of Commitment to Traditional Owners and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People to renew and strengthen Council's commitment.
The updated Statement was co-signed with the Traditional Owners' body, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural heritage Aboriginal Corporation (WWCHAC) and past members of the Darebin Aboriginal Advisory Committee (DAAC).
Darebin Council's Towards Equality: Equity, Inclusion and Human Rights Framework 2019-2029 is underpinned by six core principles that guide and influence ongoing action, including Principle 1: Recognising Australia’s First peoples and the right to self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as a foundation for equity and fairness.
Purpose of the Committee
DAAC is a formal advisory body to Darebin Council. Its purpose is to provide advice to Council in relation to the Aboriginal Culture and Knowledge - marri-gin (Progress Power Flow) strategic direction in the Council Plan 2025-2029 on items such as:
- Draft Strategic Plans and Policies
- Proposed Projects, Programs and Events
- Community Engagement Planning
- Advocacy Priorities.
The Committee may also consider and provide advice to Council relevant to:
- Aboriginal cultural safety
- Supporting cultural governance to embed Aboriginal cultural knowledge, protocols, and perspectives
- Strategic advice on issues, opportunities, and community priorities (health, housing, wellbeing, culture, arts, youth, social justice)
- Implementation and monitoring of Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan - balit-marra, Employment Strategy and other commitments
- Provide advice aligned with Closing the Gap, community priorities, Treaty and Truth-telling processes.
- Supporting Council to build strong, respectful, relationships with Traditional Owners, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), Elders, youth, and community.
Terms of Reference and DAAC Appendix
Selection Criteria
Applicants must be:
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people who live (primary or secondary residence), work, or study in the Darebin community.
- Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung members are not required to live, work, or study in the Darebin community, acknowledging that Wurundjeri Country extends beyond Darebin.
Selection of community members will prioritise representation and inclusion of:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders
- Gender equality – Women must comprise at least 50% of overall membership.
Community members should meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Involvement in the wider community with strong community networks and connections, leadership, engagement, or advocacy experience
- Good knowledge and understanding of local issues relevant to the Committee’s focus.
- Knowledge of relevant organisations and potential partnerships, particularly with ACCOs
- Willingness to contribute positively to meetings in a fair and respectful manner.
Selection of community members will also consider factors listed in clause 7 of the Terms of Reference for Darebin Advisory Committees.
Lodgement of Expression of Interest Forms
Expression of interest form must be lodged by Monday 19 October 2026 at 11:59pm via the online Smarty Grants application system on the Darebin City Council website.
If you would like assistance to prepare or lodge your application, please contact:
EMAIL: advisory.committees@darebin.vic.gov.au
PHONE: (03) 8470 8888
For more information:
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