Reform for community forum

After six years in its current form, the Docklands Community Forum (DCF) is being handed over to the community.

Details of the change of direction are to be outlined at the March 28 DCF meeting (the same day as the publication of this edition). The meeting at Library at the Dock starts at 6pm.

The reform has been under consideration for many months now and its major outcomes are:

From 2018, the Docklands Community Forum will transition from a council-led to a community-led forum;

The City of Melbourne (CoM) will undertake an “expression of interest” process for new Docklands Representative Group (DRG) members to lead the forum into this next phase. This will involve retiring the existing DRG members in early 2018 (who are welcome to re-apply again);

Reshape the forum’s format to be less formal and encourage more opportunities for networking, connection and community-led projects and updates;

Focus on improving the quality of and community participation in forums, rather than the quantity of forums. With this in mind, forums will be held quarterly in 2018. The DRG, CoM and Development Victoria (DV) will work together to ensure forums are well promoted and curated; and

Work with the new DRG members over 2018 to help develop new terms of reference for the forum enabling it to function as a community-led network in 2019. CoM and DV would continue to be involved in and support the forum.

Expressions of interest to be part of the DRG are open from March 28 until Monday, May 7. The council is seeking a diverse group of people with a range of skills and experiences to help lead the forum. Visit  https://participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/dcf

The council’s People City portfolio chair, Cr Beverly Pinder, said: “Over the last several years Docklands has undergone a dramatic transformation, and we’re excited to move into a new phase where we can support the Docklands community to develop and lead its own community forum.”

“If you’ve got ideas and want to make a difference in your community, we want to hear from you.”

“Applications are now open for those interested in being part of the new Docklands Representative Group.”

“Otherwise, come along to the new look community forums simply to stay informed and connected.”