We value the opinions and perspectives of the Darebin community.

This is why we are asked you for ideas to improve our community engagement practices to deliver on our commitment to be an inclusive Council that engages with its diverse community. Your feedback have also helped us update the Community Engagement Policy.

Community Engagement Policy

The updated Community Engagement Policy was endorsed at a Council meeting on 27 October 2025. The Policy outlines the roles and responsibilities Darebin staff have in relation to Community Engagement and includes the principles and requirements that all councils must abide by.

The Community Engagement Policy will be updated in early 2025.

Read the updated 2025 Community Engagement Policy

Improvement Plan

Our Community Engagement Improvement Plan was developed in early 2024 through extensive consultation with staff, community, and benchmarking across the sector. It includes 4 goals and 25 actions which aim to improve our community engagement activities.

Our goals for improving engagement at Darebin

  • Goal 1

    We engage with our community in meaningful, accessible and interesting ways on issues that matter to them.

  • Goal 2

    We maintain a collaborative and continuously improving engagement model that prioritises innovation, evaluation and capacity building.

  • Goal 3

    We offer an inclusive and culturally safe environment to learn from the rich knowledge, experiences and feedback of our diverse communities.

  • Goal 4

    We build a connected, credible, and trusted relationship with the community based on mutual respect and accountability.

Read our Community Engagement Improvement Plan

Community Engagement Summary

From 4th June- 2nd July 2024 we asked the community for feedback on how we could improve in this space.

What we heard

  • 253 people provided their feedback

  • You prefer to have a mix of options (online, face-to-face, surveys, workshops) to provide your feedback

  • You want to see council staff out in the community more often

  • Providing feedback should be easy, quick and fun

  • Engagements should be tailored to meet diverse needs

Read the Community Engagement Report