Community Engagement

The City of Marion is committed to engaging as widely and actively as possible with its diverse communities, through a range of community consultations.

The following are quotes from City of Marion Elected Members in a workshop about Community Engagement:

• "Engage groups/clubs/individuals in decision making."
• "Listen to all voices."
• "Seek knowledge, local knowledge."
• "Talking with, not at."
• "Go out to people rather than get them to come to us."

What is community engagement?

Community engagement helps council to achieve more effective governance through balancing decision making with sensitivity to community needs, interests and aspirations.

Well planned community engagement activities and processes enhance a vibrant local democracy and support the development of ongoing relationships with the people who live, work and visit the City of Marion.

City of Marion supports the Local Government Association's definition as follows:

"Community engagement is about involving the community in decision making processes, which is critical in the successful development of acceptable policies and decisions in government, the private sector and the community," (Community Engagement Handbook, 2008).

Community Consultation and Engagement Policy

The Community Consultation and Engagement Policy (419 kb) was revised in 2010 and sets out the foundation and underlying principles to how council works with its local communities.

The Introduction to Community Engagement (2583 kb) has been developed as a working document to guide council staff engaging with communities. It provides a broad ranging education resource and builds upon the philosophies that underpins the Community Consultation and Engagement Policy.

Get involved and have your say

• Would you like more information on council projects in your local area?
• Are you interested in participating in community engagement activities run by council?
• Do you want greater opportunity to be heard on issues that matter to you?

If you identify with any of these questions, then here is your opportunity to get involved!

Please register at the Making Marion website to be informed of council engagement activities as they happen. Making Marion is council's dedicated community consultation website where you can join the conversation and comment on some of the issues being considered by council.

Read the Privacy statement about registering your interest for community engagement opportunities.

For more information about how you can have your say, contact the Community Engagement Officer on 8375 6600.