Home » Community engagement increases dialogue

Community engagement increases dialogue

Willoughby City Council, New South Wales, have introduced monthly information seminars, providing the community with a forum to hear about significant issues and projects.

Held up to ten times a year on the fourth Monday of each month and chaired by Mayor Gail Giles-Gidney, each seminar will feature topics presented by an expert from Council, state government or other agency.

Mayor Giles-Gidney said, “The information seminars are a new and innovative approach to Council’s community engagement, providing people with in-depth, timely information on issues that really matter to them.”  

The community information seminars are part of Willoughby City Council’s commitment to ensure the community is informed and will create more opportunities for dialogue.

“Community members are still invited to attend the monthly Council meetings which remain Council’s decision making forum. What’s exciting about the new seminars is that they will allow people to take a deep dive into areas of interest and ask questions relevant
to their situation.”

The first seminar, on 26 August in the Council Chambers attracted a capacity crowd.

Project Communications, Sydney Metro, Katherine Martin, provided a progress update on the Sydney City and Southwest project which will extend the Sydney Metro rail under Sydney harbour, through new underground city stations and beyond to the south west.  

She talked about the metro concept and how it complements existing public transport.

Willoughby City Council, Director Planning and Infrastructure, Greg McDonald, lifted the lid on the New South Wales planning system. He explained the State legislation and how Council manages the planning process, from city plans and zoning through to lodging a development application.

A video of each presentation will be available to download from Council’s website in the following days for those unable to attend.

Digital Editions


  • New paint technology at Alexandrina

    New paint technology at Alexandrina

    A paint trial is taking the heat out of Alexandrina’s council infrastructure. Alexandrina Council’s Alexandrina Wastewater division is trialing new paint technology to cool down…

More News

  • Together Butchulla Talk

    Together Butchulla Talk

    A new Indigenous book celebrating the Butchulla language and local animals was launched at Hervey Bay Library earlier this month with storytime, language, dance and art activities for families to…

  • New Logan arena

    New Logan arena

    An upgraded arena for equestrians has officially opened at Skerman Park in North Maclean. Logan City Council delivered the $928,000 project, which includes a weatherproof roof, to support members of…

  • Noosa mastering AI

    Noosa mastering AI

    Digital Hub is trying to help Noosa locals get the most out of AI. Mastering AI can make life easier in countless ways. From planning weekly meals with specific dietary…

  • Change in the weather

    Change in the weather

    AUSSIE FLOOD RESCUE It’s obvious to everybody that we are seeing weather changes. It appears to be more erratic and frequent than ever before. Local government bodies are plagued by…

  • Dandycon set to return

    Dandycon set to return

    Dandy Con, Greater Dandenong’s much loved comic and pop culture festival, returns on Saturday 11 April 2026 between 11am–4pm, bigger than ever. This free, all ages event fills Dandenong Library,…

  • A creative future for Kingston

    A creative future for Kingston

    The community has been invited to help shape Kingston’s creative and cultural future. Kingston residents are being invited to help finalise the city’s cultural roadmap, with the Draft Creative and…

  • Tweed residents gunking up wastewater

    Tweed residents gunking up wastewater

    Tweed Shire Council is urging residents to rethink what they flush down the toilet and pour down the drain, after revealing that crews remove around 156 tonnes of rubbish and…

  • In memory of Chris Quilkey

    In memory of Chris Quilkey

    It was with great sadness that we learned that former Blacktown City Deputy Mayor and Councillor Chris Quilkey has passed away. First and foremost, our thoughts are with Chris’s family,…

  • Unit demolished as Ipswich flood recovery continues

    Unit demolished as Ipswich flood recovery continues

    Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding has welcomed the demolition of Mihi Grove, a flood-hit 42-unit complex in Brassall purchased as part of the Queensland and Australian Government’s Resilient Homes Fund Voluntary…

  • Fraser adopts tree

    Fraser adopts tree

    The Fraser Coast now has an official tree, with Council today adopting the Kauri Pine as a symbol of the region’s culture, history and natural environment. Fraser Coast Mayor George…