Community and Sport Committee - 15 Sep 2026 10 minutes after the conclusion of the Finance and Governance Committee or such later time as determined by the preceding committee

Topics

• Ipswich committee rules changed to allow up to six multicultural advisers
  Council approved a change allowing up to six external advisors on the Multicultural Advisory Committee.
  The change could widen formal community participation in Ipswich’s multicultural policy and advisory work.

Decisions

• Multicultural Advisory Committee recommendations adopted
  Council adopted the recommendations of the Multicultural Advisory Committee No. 2026(02), including confirmation of its March 2026 minutes, approval of preferred external-advisor applicants subject to checks and volunteer agreements, an order-of-merit list, appointments aligned with the remaining 2024–2028 council term, and an amendment allowing up to six external advisors.
  The change expands and formalises community representation on the Multicultural Advisory Committee and supports ongoing multicultural engagement with Council.
• Customer Services Report Card 2025–2026 carried
  The Customer Services Report Card 2025–2026 item was put to a vote and carried. The source does not include the report’s detailed findings or actions.
  The report concerns Council’s customer service performance, but the available minutes do not specify service results or changes for residents.

Discussion

• External advisors for the Multicultural Advisory Committee
  Preferred applicants were approved subject to satisfactory background and reference checks and completed volunteer agreements. An order of merit was also approved for vacancies or declined appointments.
  The appointments are intended to strengthen community input into multicultural matters.
• Expansion of Multicultural Advisory Committee membership rules
  Council approved an amendment to the relevant Standing and Advisory Committee Terms of Reference to allow up to six external advisors.
  More external advisors may broaden participation from community members and organisations with relevant multicultural experience.
• Customer services performance reporting
  The committee carried the Customer Services Report Card 2025–2026, but no performance measures or improvement actions are provided in the extracted text.
  Residents may use the report to understand how Council assesses its customer service, subject to the full report being available.

Impacts

• Up to six external advisors may be appointed to the Multicultural Advisory Committee.
• External-advisor appointments are subject to background and reference checks and volunteer agreements.
• Appointments are intended to align with the remaining 2024–2028 council term.
• No specific customer-service changes, spending decisions, or service targets are stated in the extracted text.

Places

• Ipswich City (local government area)
  The committee and its advisory arrangements are part of Ipswich City Council.

Next

• Complete background and reference checks and volunteer agreements for preferred external-advisor applicants.
  Before appointments are finalised.
• Offer appointments to order-of-merit applicants if a preferred applicant declines or ceases their appointment.
  As required during the appointment term.
• Apply the amended terms of reference allowing up to six external advisors.
  Following approval and implementation of the amendment.

Extract

15 SEPTEMBER 2026 COMMUNITY AND SPORT COMMITTEE NO. 2026(07)] of 5 COMMUNITY AND SPORT COMMITTEE NO. 2026(07) 15 SEPTEMBER 2026 REPORT COUNCILLORS’ ATTENDANCE: Councillor Jacob Madsen (Chairperson); Councillors Pye Augustine (Deputy Chairperson), Mayor Teresa Harding, Deputy Mayor Nicole Jonic, Marnie Doyle, Andrew Antoniolli, David Martin and Jim Madden COUNCILLOR’S APOLOGIES: Nil OFFICERS’ ATTENDANCE: Chief Executive Officer (Sonia Cooper), General Manager Community, Cultural and Economic Development (Ben Pole), General Manager Corporate Services (Matt Smith), General Manager Asset and Infrastructure Services (Seren McKenzie), General Manager Planning and Regulatory Services (Brett Davey)...