Published on Thursday, 25 September 2025 at 7:22:39 AM
We’re inviting locals to get involved in shaping our community by joining Council Committees and Working Groups. These groups play an important role in guiding decisions on a wide range of issues, including emergency planning, environmental protection, community development, and tourism.
What’s the Difference?
Council Committees are formal advisory bodies established under the Local Government Act 1995. These formal groups have specialist role-based membership, working closely with the Council to provide advice and recommendations on key issues. Membership and responsibilities are defined by the Terms of Reference, which ensure transparency and consistency. The Council's Standing Orders and Code of Conduct apply to all Council committee members.
Working Groups, on the other hand, are informal and flexible. They focus on specific topics or projects and often include community members, stakeholders, and staff. These groups are a great way to contribute your expertise or passion to a particular area.
What Guides These Groups?
Each group operates under a Terms of Reference document, which outlines:
- Purpose – what the group is set up to achieve
- Membership – who can be part of the group (e.g. elected members, staff, community reps)
- Meeting protocols – how often they meet and how decisions are made
For example:
- The Behaviour Complaints Committee is made up of Council Members only, as per section 5.9(2)(a) of the Local Government Act.
- The Esperance Twin Towns Working Group is made up of 7 community members plus representatives from Esperance Lions Club, ESHS, and the Shire, and they meet as required.
You can view the full Terms of Reference here:
🔗 Council Committee Terms of Reference
🔗 Working Group Terms of Reference
Expressions of Interest Now Open
Working Groups – Focused on specific topics and projects:
- Esperance Twin Towns Working Group
- Museum Working Group
- Esperance Tourism Stakeholder Working Group
- Cemetery Working Group
- Disability Access and Inclusion Working Group
- Sustainability Working Group
Council Committees – Formal advisory bodies:
- Audit Committee
- Bush Fire Advisory Committee
- Behaviour Complaints Committee
How to Apply
If you are interested in shaping our region, complete the Council Committee Nomination Form and send it to shire@esperance.wa.gov.au, mail a hard copy to PO Box 507, Esperance WA, or drop it in person to the Shire Administration Building on Windich Street.
Please note: Submitting a nomination does not guarantee placement on a Committee or Working Group. All nominations will be considered, but appointments are made based on eligibility and group requirements.
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