Thanks for your interest in our Community Panel.

45 people will now be independently selected to form a community panel and work together alongside our new Council group to help shape Council’s priorities for the next four years.

The Community Panel will discuss, debate and deliberate key issues to help guide important decisions affecting Council's priorities. These priorities will help inform the Council Plan 2025-2029 and guide long term planning for the future of Cardinia Shire.

No prior knowledge is required to take part in the panel – just a willingness to work with others to consider the diverse views and needs of your community. You will need to attend four workshop sessions in February 2025. Further details are in the timeline. Panellists will receive financial recognition for their time and support to assist them to participate.


What will the panel be working on?

As our community continues to grow and change, we want you to help us plan our priorities for the next four years and revisit the Community Vision to 2040. The panel will provide guidance to Council on priorities to support us to continue to manage our finances responsibility and plan for the future. The community's input will help Council update its Council Plan, Long Term Financial Plan, Asset Plan and Liveability Plan.

What is a Community Panel?

A community panel is a group of people who represent their community. They come together over a series of sessions to learn about a topic and discuss issues in detail. A panel is selected to reflect the diverse people and views of the Cardinia community. This panel approach is a way for ‘everyday people’ to understand and provide insights on complex matters.

Who will be on the panel?

The Cardinia Community Panel will be made up of 45 community members. Anyone who has a strong connection to Cardinia can apply to participate. Panel members will be randomly selected and be demographically and geographically representative of the community.

Applicants must be over 16 years of age to apply.

How will the panel be selected?

An independent facilitator will manage participant selection independently of Council. They will aim to select a panel that has a diverse representation of people who make-up the Cardinia community. Not all people that express their interest will be selected for the panel.

Why should I join the panel?

As a panel member you will have the chance to learn more about the people and places that make Cardinia unique, gain a better understanding of how Council works, and you will contribute to Council decision-making. You will work closely with Council staff and other community members to shape Cardinia’s future.

What skills or knowledge do I need to participate in the panel?

You do not need any specific skills or knowledge to make a valuable contribution to the panel – your thoughts, opinions, ideas and an open mind are all you need. Panel sessions will be hosted by skilled facilitators who will make sure you can share your ideas throughout the sessions.

Why is the vision being revisited?

The Cardinia Community Vision 2040 was written in 2021. Though we don’t anticipate that great changes will be required, this revision is an opportunity to confirm that the Community Vision still adequately captures the community’s aspirations.

Reviewing the Community Vision is a requirement of the Local Government Act 2020, which states that ‘a Council must develop or review the Community Vision and adopt its Council Plan in the year following a general election’.

What do I need to do if I am selected to be on the community panel?

As a panel member, you will be guided by a skilled facilitator to participate and contribute your ideas as part of a deliberative process. If you’re selected for the panel, we ask that you:

  • participate in an open, respectful and thoughtful way
  • discuss the issues and ideas with your fellow panel members and weigh up all the information presented to you
  • stay on topic and focused on the conversation
  • listen to information, be curious, ask questions
  • learn more about other people’s ideas and perspectives, and share your views
  • be able to attend 4 panel sessions (two held in-person and 2 online). Sessions will not be hybrid.

Privacy Statement

We are collecting your information for the purpose of inviting interest to join the community panel. To see our complete Privacy Policy please see cardinia.vic.gov.au/site/scripts/terms.php#

Cardinia Shire Council Privacy Collection Statement

Personal information collected by Council, or its contractors, is used for municipal purposes as specified in the Local Government Act 2020. The personal information will be held securely and used solely by Council for these purposes and/or directly related purposes. Council may disclose this information to other organisations if required or permitted by legislation, and who are bound by substantially similar obligations. The applicant understands that the personal information provided is for the above purpose and that they may apply to Council for access to and/or amendment of the information. Requests for access and/or correction should be made to Council’s Privacy Officer on 1300 787 624 or mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au