The Council Plan is our roadmap for how we are working towards achieving the Community Vision. It sets our strategic directions for the next four years, guiding where we put our focus and effort. It also informs the review of our 10-year financial plan.

This Council Plan incorporates Knox’s Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan. This ensures the priorities for supporting, protecting and improving the health and wellbeing of our community are at the forefront of everything we do and are integrated across all council services and initiatives.

A community panel is a group of randomly selected people that generally represents the demographic makeup of a community. Panel members will learn about and discuss topics important to the community. The Panel will work with Council to develop draft recommendations for the next Council Plan.

Here is a quick video about a Community Panel we ran in 2023, while it was a different conversation you can get an idea of the experience from past participants.

You can apply if you’re aged 18 and over and your usual residence or place of business is in the City of Knox. A maximum of one person from one address can be selected to participate.

You can’t apply if you are currently, or have been:

• an elected representative from any level of government or an employee/family member of an elected representative
• a Knox City Council employee (current or within the past 5 years) or family member of an employee
• a Knox City Council councillor (current) or family member of a councillor

If selected, you will meet with people from all walks of life in your community at four sessions. You’ll hear from speakers on topics and discuss issues in small groups. Facilitators will make sure everyone has their say. You don’t need any prior knowledge – we’ll provide all the information you need.

You will need to be available to attend all the following four sessions:  

• Wednesday 1st May 2024, 6:00pm to 8:30pm
• Saturday 4th May 2024, 11:00am to 3:00pm
• Saturday 18th May 2024, 11:00am to 3:00pm
• The fourth session will be held in early 2025 with the new Councillors, date to be confirmed.

The sessions will be in person at Knox Civic Centre, 511 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South.

To cover any costs associated with attending and to recognise your time commitment, you’ll receive a total of $300 in Coles vouchers.

You will need to attend all sessions to receive payment. As there is a long gap to the fourth session, you will receive $200 after the first three sessions and the final $100 after the fourth session.

You will need to complete the expression of interest form to share some information about you. This information will go to our independent consultant, Capire Consulting Group, who are completing the selection process for us.

Our venues have full disability access. If you need it, we’ll provide technology support, translated materials, language and Auslan interpreters and hearing loops. We may be able to assist with transport and childcare needs – please let us know about your situation when we contact you.

If you attend all four sessions, you will receive $300 to cover any costs associated with your attendance and to recognise your time commitment. Meals and refreshments are also provided.

Once registration has closed, approximately 45 people will be randomly selected to participate. This selection will be representative of the wider community.

If you’re selected, our independent consultants Capire will contact you by phone and email in the week of 8th April to let you know, and confirm your attendance. We’ll also discuss any requirements or assistance you may need and explain what happens next.

In early 2025 the deliberative panel will have the opportunity to share their recommendations with councillors. A report on the outcome of the community panel will also be presented to the councillors for their consideration.

If you are not selected we will let you know in early April, once the panel is finalised.

Across the life of the project you can stay up to date by clicking '+ Follow the project' at the top of this page. We will regularly share information, including on the work of the panel.