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    Frequently asked questions

    You are here:

    1. Home
    2. Our 10-year Human Rights Policy
    3. Frequently asked questions

    Frequently asked questions

    About the project

    Who can participate?
    Why is community feedback important?
    ​ Why are you doing this review?
    What is Council reviewing?

    About the engagement process

    How can I share my feedback?
    ​ Will my feedback be confidential?
    What accessibility supports are available?
    Can I participate if English is not my first language?

    About the Disability Action Plan

    What is the Disability Action Plan?
    ​ Does this include physical and communication accessibility?

    About the LGBTIQA+ Action Plan

    What is the purpose of the LGBTIQA+ Action Plan?
    ​ How will this plan support community members?

    About social cohesion

    What does social cohesion mean?
    Why is social cohesion important?

    About gender equity

    What is the Gender Equity Action Plan?
    Who benefits from gender equity work?

    About the Human Rights Policy

    What is a Human Rights Policy?
    How does this policy affect residents?

    Community influence

    What is negotiable?
    What is non-negotiablie?

    Outcomes

    What happens after engagement closes?
    Will participants hear about the results?
    How will success be measured?

    Frequently asked questions

    About the project

    Who can participate?

    All Merri-bek community members are encouraged to participate, particularly people from communities directly impacted by these plans, including:

    • People with disabilities
    • LGBTIQA+ communities
    • First Nations peoples
    • Multicultural communities
    • Women and gender-diverse people
    • Older adults and young people
    Why is community feedback important?

    Community feedback helps us understand lived experiences, identify barriers, and shape policies that are practical, inclusive and responsive

    ​ Why are you doing this review?

    To ensure our policies and actions continue to reflect community needs, current legislation, and best practice in equity, inclusion, accessibility and human rights.

    What is Council reviewing?

    Council is reviewing and updating our Human Rights Policy and several related plans, including:

    • Disability Action Plan
    • LGBTIQA+ Action Plan
    • Social Cohesion Framework
    • Gender Equity Action Plan

    These documents help guide how Council creates inclusive services, policies and programs for everyone in Merri-bek.

    About the engagement process

    How can I share my feedback?

    Feedback may be collected through:

    • Online surveys
    • Focus groups
    • Community workshops
    • Pop-up events
    • Written submissions
    ​ Will my feedback be confidential?

    Feedback is generally de-identified unless participants choose otherwise. Personal information will be managed according to our privacy policy.

    What accessibility supports are available?

    We aim to provide:

    • Auslan interpreters
    • Translated materials
    • Accessible venues
    • Large print or alternative formats
    • Support for carers or support workers
    • Online participation options

    You can contact the Accessible and Inclusive Communications team to let us know how we can best support you.

    Phone: 9240 1111
    Email: accessibility@merri-bek.vic.gov.au

    Can I participate if English is not my first language?

    Yes. Translation and interpretation supports may be available.

    About the Disability Action Plan

    What is the Disability Action Plan?

    It identifies how Council will improve accessibility, inclusion and participation for people living with disability.

    ​ Does this include physical and communication accessibility?

    Yes. This may include:

    • Buildings and public spaces
    • Information accessibility
    • Community participation
    • Employment opportunities

    About the LGBTIQA+ Action Plan

    What is the purpose of the LGBTIQA+ Action Plan?

    To strengthen inclusion, safety, visibility and equitable access for LGBTIQA+ communities.

    ​ How will this plan support community members?

    It may guide:

    • Inclusive services
    • Community education
    • Anti-discrimination measures
    • Safe public spaces
    • Representation initiatives

    About social cohesion

    What does social cohesion mean?

    Social cohesion focuses on building connected, respectful communities where diversity is valued and discrimination is reduced.

    Why is social cohesion important?

    It supports community safety, belonging and resilience.

    About gender equity

    What is the Gender Equity Action Plan?

    It focuses on addressing gender inequality, improving safety and participation, and promoting equitable opportunities.

    Who benefits from gender equity work?

    Everyone benefits from safer, fairer and more inclusive communities.

    About the Human Rights Policy

    What is a Human Rights Policy?

    A Human Rights Policy outlines Council’s commitment to fairness, dignity, inclusion, participation and equal access for all community members.

    How does this policy affect residents?

    It helps ensure Council decisions, services and communications consider equity, inclusion and human rights.

    Community influence

    What is negotiable?

    Community feedback can help shape:

    • Policy goals that will guide how council delivers this policy
    • Priorities for the first two years of the policy
    • Shared outcomes indicators will be co-designed with stakeholders
    • Methods tailored to priority groups, including audio/visual and bilingual options
    • What different Council units implement actions on the ground
    What is non-negotiablie?
    • 10-year Policy / 2-year Action Plan Cycle: the long-term policy duration and short-term implementation cycles are set.
    • First Peoples' Self-Determination: recognition of the importance of Traditional Owners as the foundational pillar of all social justice in Merri-bek. The action planning will be done in a separate but connected plan.
    • Human Rights Framework: human rights remain the core guiding framework for Council strategies and decisions.
    • Project Deadline: final Council report due July 15, with endorsement scheduled for August 12.
    • The use of the Gender Equity Impact Assessment (GEIA) as a mandatory tool for all Council briefings.

    Outcomes

    What happens after engagement closes?

    Council will:

    • Review all feedback
    • Identify key themes
    • Draft updated policies and plans
    • Present final documents for Council endorsement
    Will participants hear about the results?

    Yes. Council usually provides updates through reports, public communications or engagement summaries.

    How will success be measured?

    Success may include:

    • Improved access
    • Increased inclusion
    • Stronger community trust
    • Better service delivery
    • Clearer accountability

    Return to the main page

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    Merri-bek City Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional custodians of the lands and waterways in the area now known as Merri-bek, and pays respect to their Elders past and present, as well as to all First Nations’ communities who significantly contribute to the life of the area.


    Contact Us

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    +61 3 9240 1111

    Email
    engagement@merri-bek.vic.gov.au

    National relay service
    133 677
    (ask for ‎03 9240 1111)

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