Nillumbik Shire Council
Positive Ageing Reference Group: Terms of Reference

Name
Positive Ageing Reference Group
Classification
Reference Group of Council
Purpose
To provide a mechanism for Council to consult with community representatives in seeking advice and guidance around issues related to positive ageing in Nillumbik.
Objectives
  • Advise Council on matters relating to positive ageing.
  • Support and advise Council on the implementation of the Positive Ageing Strategy 2013-2018 and associated Action Plan.
  • Respond to and provide advice on any proposed strategy, policy or action plan developed by Council relating to ageing positively in Nillumbik.
  • Provide a forum for the discussion of issues affecting the wellbeing of older adults, their families and carers.
  • Provide a forum to receive and facilitate (where possible) ideas developed by community or other groups servicing Nillumbik’s older adults.
  • Identify barriers which may impact older adults, their families and carers.

Membership and chairperson
  • Council’s Coordinator Community Services will act as Chairperson.
  • Council’s Positive Ageing Officer will record minutes of each meeting, provide Council and community updates, and ensure administration of the committee is completed according to the Terms of Reference.
  • Tencommunity members will represent a cross-section of Nillumbik’s older adult population.
  • New community reference group members will be inducted as Nillumbik Shire Council Volunteers.

Term of appointment
The term of appointment for community representatives is a two year period or until otherwise resolved by Council.
Co-opted members
The Reference Group may invite suitable people to join the Group in an advisory capacity, for a specified purpose and for a specified period of time.
Quorum
A meeting can take place with any number of committee members and one member of Council staff present.
Decisions can only take place with a minimum quorum of:
  • six members
  • one member of Council staff

Member responsibilities
In order to fulfil the Group’s objectives, members are expected to:
  • Keep informed of current developments, issues and concerns relating to ageing well in Nillumbik.
  • Be aware of the activities, interests and concerns of organisations and groups in the Shire.
  • Prepare for and actively participate in regular group meetings.
  • Help disseminate and communicate information to the Nillumbik community.

Meeting frequency
Meetings to be held every six weeks.
Extra Ordinary Meetings
Any member can contact the Positive Ageing Officer to request the calling of an extraordinary meeting.
The decision to conduct an extraordinary meeting will be at the discretion of the Positive Ageing Officer, and at least two weeks notification will be given to all members.
Management of the Reference Group
  • A member of Council’s Aged and Disability Team will resource the Group and attend all meetings.
  • The Aged and Disability Team will be responsible for preparation of meeting agendas, minutes, reports, and other administrative functions.

Reporting procedure
  • The Positive Ageing Reference Group is not a formal committee but rather a reference group that is established by Council.
  • It is not a decision making body and does not require voting protocols or other decision making mechanisms.

Public statements
Any public statements made by the Chair or ordinary members of the Committee must be in accordance with Council’s media protocol and with the prior approval of the Coordinator Community Services and the Manager Governance and Communications.
References
  • Positive Ageing Strategy 2013-2018
  • Council Plan 2013-2017
  • Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013-2017

Contact details of Committee
Andrea Cosentino, Positive Ageing Officer, 9433 3348
Approval date
August 2012
Updated
January 2014
Next review date
As needed

Nillumbik Shire CouncilCivic Drive (PO Box 476), Greensborough Vic 3088
T 9433 3111 | F 9433 3777 | E | W