Help Make a Difference in your Community – Call out for Committee Nominations

Published 28 February 2025

As part of the City of Port Phillip's commitment to good governance, quality decision-making and community participation, Council has a range of committees with external community representation.

We are currently seeking community members who can demonstrate interest and the relevant skills to nominate for voluntary positions for the City of Port Phillip Community Grants Assessment Panel Reference Committee and the Cultural Development Fund Reference Committee.

Appointments to committees approved by Council will be announced in May 2025. The Council Grants Reference Committee positions are for a two-year period.

Applications for expressions of interest close Monday 31 March 2025.

About our Committees

Cultural Development Fund (CDF) Reference Committee

The CDF Reference Committee assists Council by providing advice and recommendations in relation to applications to the Cultural Development Fund grants program. Community members with arts, cultural and events experience are invited to nominate for this Committee and will be required to:

Provide advice and expertise in assessment and recommendations for grants to Council for creative projects, festivals and events grants and multi-year organisation funding for all art forms.
Read the CDF Terms of Reference and the CDF- Projects, CDF Festivals and Events and CDF - Key Organisations pages for more information about project grants and multi-year organisational funding.
Meet once or twice annually.

Who can apply?

Nominees will need to demonstrate that they:

Live or work (includes in a volunteer capacity) in the City of Port Phillip or can demonstrate a strong connection with the cultural life of the City.
Have experience in the arts, cultural, events and creative sector. This may include experience as a practitioner, producer, researcher, writer, curator or experience in arts administration and management, funding and grants, committee, board or volunteer or similar roles that are relevant to the nominated reference committee.
Have passion and enthusiasm for the issues and challenges related to the purposes of the nominated reference committee.
Have the ability to appreciate a range of interests and factors impacting on matters to be considered by the nominated reference committee.
Are committed to participative and consultative processes.

How to apply

We use the SmartyGrants online application system.

Click on the link to the Application Form 2025 Cultural Development Fund Reference Committee to register and apply.
Applicants will be asked to upload a one-page CV to support their nomination in the form (an upload field is provided)

For information about logging into the system, creating a password and navigating the form, please see the Help Guide for Applicants.

For information about the application process or for assistance with the application form for the Cultural Development Grants Committee, please contact us at cdf@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Other supporting documents for nominees
To find out more about Council's commitment to supporting the creative life of Port Phillip, please refer to:

The Community Grants Assessment Panel Reference Committee

The Community Grants Assessment Panel Reference Committee provides advice, feedback and recommendations on applications for the annual Community Grants Program. Applicants can find out more about this Committee by going to the Community Grants Assessment Panel Reference Committee Terms of Reference.

Selected committee members will be able to recommend opportunities for Council to partner with community organisations on projects that enhance diversity, enable community participation and decision making. They will also contribute to the building of healthy, strong and inclusive communities.

Who can apply?

Community members who live, work or volunteer in the City of Port Phillip. Applications are encouraged from community members who demonstrate some of the following:

Be committed to supporting and strengthening a diverse community that encourages the participation and inclusion of all residents.
Be understanding of issues affecting residents in City of Port Phillip including youth, families and children, seniors, women and marginalised community members.
Have knowledge of local community organisations and groups and an awareness of local networks. 
Involvement in the local community, including but not limited to clubs, organisations, committees and groups.
Experience in the administration of community funded projects and or the grants assessment process.