Hello,

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how much government shapes our everyday lives, and how we can shape it back.

One of the great things about local government is that it’s the closest most of us will ever get to where decisions that affect our daily lives are actually made.

There are plenty of ways to be heard, and most take less time than you’d think. Let’s dig into them.

Today’s newsletter is 732 words, a 4 minute read.

There are eight neighbourhood forums in the Wollongong LGA. They’re community groups, set up by but independent from council, that meet monthly to talk about local issues that impact the community.

Forums give council advice on what their community needs, along with feedback on its plans, projects and policies. The Wollongong forum, for example, made a detailed submission on council’s Community Strategic Plan, the city’s shared vision for the next 10 years.

How it works: Each forum posts its agenda online before it meets. You can email comments on agenda items beforehand, and minutes are posted afterwards. All residents are welcome to the forum that covers their community.

Worth knowing: Council supports the forums with meeting rooms and guest speakers, and keeps them updated on plans in their area. Because of this connection, the forums are not a space for political activism, and instead are intended as a space for community discussion, participation, and feedback.

Find the forum that covers your community and how to get involved here.

I was lucky enough to be invited to Neighbourhood Forum 5’s October meeting, which covers the Wollongong area, to talk about The Civic Report.

Afterwards, I stayed to listen as members worked through upcoming development applications, local and state plans, and the issues that matter most to their community.

It was a real pleasure to see local civic participation and democracy happening at the grassroots. Thanks for having me, Neighbourhood Forum 5.

Have your say on plans and projects

Let’s Talk Wollongong is council’s engagement website. It’s where council runs surveys and asks for feedback on draft plans, policies and local projects. You’ll need to register to give feedback online.

Development application submissions

Anyone can view a development application on exhibition and make a submission. You can do it online through the link above, by email or by post.

Worth knowing:

Join a committee

Council runs advisory groups on specific issues, such as walking and cycling, and heritage. They usually include experts or people affected by the issue. Appointments generally run for the term of council, so keep an eye on council’s website for openings.

Voting

As I have covered in previous reports, I am a big believer in the idea that we as residents and citizens have the loudest voice through our vote. Anyone who lives in or owns a residence in the Wollongong LGA gets a vote each election, and the next council elections are on Saturday 9 September 2028.

Three you might already know

You can also speak at the public forum before each council meeting, lodge a petition or contact your ward councillor about your concerns directly. We covered all three in How Wollongong Council Meetings Actually Work.

It is sometimes easy to think that, as one person, you have no chance to change things. But council decisions are often shaped by a small number of people who take the time to speak up.

You don’t need to do everything on this list. But if something is happening in your local area that you want changed, then you have the same right as anyone else to have your voice heard. And that’s how all change starts.

Talk soon,

Liam