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The Multicultural Advisory Committee provides leadership and direction to Council on recognising, engaging, supporting and empowering people from a multicultural background across the Region.
The main functions of the Multicultural Advisory Committee are to provide an advocacy role, coordinated advice and recommendations to Council in supporting multicultural groups, agencies and community members on:
The Multicultural and Advisory Committee will also:
Community Rooms, Level 3, Toowoomba City Library (Corner of Victoria and Herries Streets)
Background/scope
The Multicultural Advisory Committee (“the Committee”) is constituted under Section 264 of Local Government Regulation 2012, which empowers the Council to appoint advisory committees.
Tenure of committee
The Multicultural Advisory Committee is established for the term of the current elected Council, unless disbanded earlier by Council resolution.
(Subject to any Council resolution to the contrary, if a Committee is appointed for a particular purpose or for a limited time, the Committee is abolished and appointment of Members to the Committee is terminated upon the fulfilment of that purpose or the expiration of that time.)
Purpose
The Multicultural Advisory Committee will provide leadership and direction on the functions and responsibilities listed below.
Functions
Membership
Resignation and Replacement of Committee Members
Chairperson
If Council does not appoint the Councillor as the chairperson, a chair will be appointed by the Committee. The Chairperson will preside at an Advisory Committee meeting.
Acting Chairperson
If the Chairperson is absent or unavailable to preside, the other Councillor will preside.
Quorum
The Quorum of any Advisory Committee meeting will be a minimum of 51% of the membership.
Times and Places for Meetings
The Advisory Committee may determine the dates, times and places for its meetings. Council will be responsible for providing a suitable venue.
Meeting Procedures
Unless otherwise provided in these Terms of Reference, the Advisory Committee will generally adopt informal meeting procedures. Where more formal procedures are required, the procedures described in Council's Standing Orders shall apply.
Voting
Conflict of Interest
Open to the Public
Confidential Matters
Media Contact
Media statements will only be made by the Chairperson.
Reporting
The Multicultural Advisory Committee will submit a report (Minutes listing actions, responsibilities, timeframes and outcomes) on each of its meetings to the Chief Executive Officer, who will list any recommendations for Council’s consideration on an agenda of a meeting of a Council Committee.
Sub-Committees
The Advisory Committee has the authority to establish special interest sub-groups and working groups as required to address specific matters identified by the Advisory Committee. These sub-groups (established under the same terms and conditions as the Advisory Committee) are to report back to the Advisory Committee.
Remuneration
The Council will not generally authorise payment or provide remuneration to members of Advisory Committees however, where special circumstances exist, Council may resolve to pay remuneration, reimburse expenses and/or provide facilities to Members of Advisory Committees.
Insurance
The Council will ensure that all members of Advisory Committees are covered by appropriate insurances (e.g. voluntary workers, public indemnity) while undertaking the duties of the Advisory Committee.
Relevant Legislation
Council’s role and obligations are directed by the following laws and regulations:
Relevant Laws and Legislation
Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld)
Equal Opportunity in Public Employment Act 1992
Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld)
Multicultural Recognition Act 2016 (Qld)
Public Sector Ethics Act 1994 (Qld)
Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cwlth)
The People of Australia – Federal Multicultural Policy
A Multicultural future for us all – Queensland’s Cultural Diversity Policy
Related Policies/ Documents
United Nations: Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, 2001
Federal Government - Multicultural Access and Equity Policy
State Government - Queensland Multicultural Policy: Our story, our future
TRC Policies and Documents:
2019 – 2024 Corporate Plan
2.58 Community Engagement Policy
Community Engagement Guidelines
2.62 Access and Equity Policy
Toowoomba Regional Council Access and Equity Plan 2016-2021
4.13 Diversity and Inclusion Policy
4.25 Anti-Discrimination, Harassment and Equal Employment Opportunity
Toowoomba Regional Community Plan
Toowoomba Regional Council Planning Scheme (including Engineering Standards)
[1] 275 Closed meetings
1. A local government or Committee may resolve that a meeting be closed to the public if its councillors or members consider it necessary to close the meeting to discuss-
Our vision
The Toowoomba Region is a vibrant, inclusive and liveable region where respect for tradition and diversity is embraced.
Our mission
We partner with the community through authentic leadership and responsible governance to ensure a sustainable and bright future for our region.
Your volunteer role
Members of the Multicultural Advisory Committee (MAC) assist Toowoomba Regional Council to meets its commitment to recognising, engaging, supporting, and empowering people from a multicultural background across the region.
Your volunteer time commitment
Multicultural Advisory Committee meetings are held ten times per year, with the duration of meetings usually capped to two hours. In addition to monthly meetings, there may also be opportunities to contribute to projects identified by the committee and participate in subcommittees and/or working groups.
Skills and abilities
We are looking for volunteers with the following skills, qualifications, or experience to fill this volunteer role:
Key duties
As a member of the Multicultural Advisory Committee, you will help by performing the following duties:
1. Provide coordinated advice and recommendations to Council on:
2. Encourage and support coordination and cooperation within the multicultural communities/sector.
3. Provide support and guidance on specific projects or issues as identified by Council.
4. Assist Council in the dissemination of appropriate materials to aid in the facilitation of community dialogue in relation to Culturally and Linguistically diverse communities.
5. Promote positive images of Culturally and Linguistically diverse communities in the community; and to recognise the contribution our Culturally and Linguistically diverse communities make to community life.
6. Assist Council to organise and contribute to key community events for Culturally and Linguistically diverse communities.
Additional requirements/background checks for the role
Toowoomba Regional Council is serious about its duty to provide a professional service and to provide all people working and volunteering with Council a safe and healthy working environment. We are a child safe organisation.
We are committed to recruiting dedicated, professional volunteers who have the skills and experience appropriate for this role.
For this reason, we will need to collect the following information prior to you commencing in the role:
Assistance will be provided for any arrangements and applications. No out of pocket expenses will be incurred.
Please contact Roberto Garcia, Community Development Officer - Multicultural, if you have any questions about these background checks.
Any information you provide will:
As a volunteer of Toowoomba Regional Council, you will also be required to: