Our Social Justice Charter was established to support Council to drive social change and to improve the lives of those in our community by ensuring that everyone, including those experiencing disadvantage, can access pathways to exercise their human rights.
The Charter was developed in consultation with community reference groups, advisory committees, and community members of all ages.
On World Social Justice Day 2023, Georges River Council announced the launch of our Social Justice Charter 2022-2026. We began consultations using vox pops, audio recordings, and expressive badges. We also held a yarning and weaving circle, and group brainstorming. These aimed to find priority areas, goals, and strategies to achieve outcomes based on the Charter's four principles.
- Participation.
- Equity.
- Respect.
- Empowerment.
Community members suggested ways we can ensure that Council's policies, initiatives, and events embody the principles of the Charter and serve the needs of our community. Especially vulnerable and marginalised community groups such as:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- LGBTQIA+ communities.
- Culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
- People with disabilities.
- Seniors.
- Children and young people.
From this community feedback, we identified five focus areas, including:
- Connected Communities.
- Safe Places and Spaces.
- Economic Empowerment.
- Civic Participation.
- Good Governance.
Our Social Justice Charter Plan details how we will meet our goals in each focus area. You can now find the Plan at the end of the Social Justice Charter.
To help guide our work in social justice, please join a community Advisory Committee.
Download the Easy Read version of the Social Justice Charter or view the flip book below.
Advisory Committees
Council's Advisory Committees provide advice on our policies, plans, and services. Their goal is to better support our local community. Our Advisory Committees are voluntary. Their members reflect a wide range of community identities.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee provides a vital link between Council and the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It provides input and feedback on a wide range of Council's policies, plans and projects. It also raises issues important to local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the Georges River area.
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Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee
The Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee provides feedback and advice to Council on its policies, plans and services to better support people with disability.
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Multicultural Advisory Committee
The Multicultural Advisory Committee provides feedback and advice to Council on its policies, plans and services to better support multicultural communities.
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Seniors Advisory Committee
The Georges River Seniors Advisory Committee allows local seniors and seniors organisations to provide specialist advice on the needs and priorities of local seniors. The Committee aims to promote collaboration and engagement of seniors and seniors organisations and assist Council in the planning of seniors throughout the year, including Seniors Festival.
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Youth Advisory Committee
The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) plays an important role in assisting Council to support youth services in the Georges River Local Government Area. The YAC meets to have their voices heard on things that matter to them and to inform and influence decisions made by Council that affect young people. The YAC also plans and delivers programs and events in our local community.
Thank you for your feedback.