Community engagement is the process by which the community participates in and influences Council’s decision-making.

Council is committed to delivering effective, efficient services that meet the expectations and needs of the community. Council recognises that local knowledge, ideas and feedback from the community are essential to ensure Council’s decision-making improves community wellbeing and long term sustainability.

The Community Engagement Strategy guides how Council will engage so that a broad range of perspectives are sought and the community has a strong voice in Council’s decision-making. The Strategy is based on a set of principles and recognises that engagement is a planned practice which should be tailored, taking into account factors such as complexity, risk, significance, sensitivity, timing or opportunity.

The Strategy is applicable to the array of engagement processes that shape programs, services and infrastructure provided by Council, and plans that guide Council’s work. The Strategy enables Council to engage with the community in an ongoing, flexible and locally appropriate way.

Five core principles drive Council’s approach to engaging the community.

Click through to find out more about each principle.

• We value local knowledge, ideas and feedback and encourage dialogue
• We explain why we are engaging and how we will use community input
• We provide adequate notice and time for community response

• We engage as early as possible to identify critical issues and opportunities
• We coordinate engagement to guard against ‘engagement fatigue’ where people feel overconsulted

• We use a range of tools and techniques appropriate to each engagement
• We offer face-toface and online opportunities

• We recognise and value community diversity
• We support participation e.g. community language translations, accessible venues and formats

• We provide clear and relevant information without jargon
• We publish a summary of community feedback and how it was considered
• We communicate a decision or outcome to people who participated in the process

Council's online engagement hub is the place for you to get involved in important projects that shape the future of the Inner West.

We will listen to what you say, take your opinions into account and report back to you on how community input contributes to decisions.

Inner West Council holds a series of monthly, face-to-face forums where Ward Councillors and the executive staff of Council attend to listen to your ideas and concerns about how your community can be improved.

We look forward to seeing you at our next forum.

Local Democracy Groups are made up of community members and are a part of Council's Community Engagement Strategy (PDF 2.6MB). Their role is to provide advice and input to support Council’s decision-making and actions. Their purpose is to support Council to implement the Community Strategic Plan: Our Inner West 2036 through actions outlined in Council's Delivery Program and annual Operational Plan (PDF 5.9MB).

The current term commenced in September 2022 and ends in September 2024.

You can directly address your elected representatives at Council meetings when they're discussing issues that matter to you!

Find out more about registering to speak at a Council meeting, they’re a great opportunity to ensure your perspective is heard.