Get the appThe City of Ballarat has opened a public exhibition period for its draft LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Plan 2027-2030. The plan aims to strengthen inclusion, promote participation, and support the wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ people. Community feedback is being sought before the plan is presented to council for consideration. The draft plan is available on the City of Ballarat's MySay platform until 22 November.
The Shire of Murray is asking residents to help review its 2023-2033 council plan. Shire president Douglas McLarty said the 10-year plan reflects community priorities and guides shire decisions. A three-week consultation runs from October 18 to November 9. Residents can respond online, through printed surveys sent to households, or with copies available at the shire administration building, Murray library, Murray House Resource Centre and Murray Aquatic and Leisure Centre. The shire will update the plan and adjust services based on feedback received.
A new Australian job listing site aimed at young people, Knack, says no job hunters will be ghosted. Founder Gemma Lloyd says applicants will be told when their application has been viewed, shortlisted and whether they have reached an interview. The platform checks in with each young person fortnightly and offers practical tips if they miss out. The launch comes as youth unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points to 11.1 per cent in September, more than double the general rate of 4.7 per cent.
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Get the appPort Stephens Council is inviting residents to take part in its annual Community Satisfaction Survey. The survey asks about roads, footpaths, waste collections, parks, beaches and libraries. Mayor Leah Anderson said last year's feedback led to a $29 million Roads Acceleration Program and a draft Road Futures Strategy. This year, Taverner Research Group may phone residents for anonymous verbal feedback. Residents can also complete the survey online or collect a hard copy from council facilities.
Residents aged 15 and over are invited to participate in the Community Insight Survey 2026, which closes on 30 October. The 20-minute survey seeks input on regional issues, services, and programs to inform Council priorities and decision-making. While it won’t determine specific outcomes, feedback will guide future efforts. Participants can enter a draw to win a $100 gift voucher or tickets to Disney's Frozen – The Broadway Musical in 2027. The survey aims to capture community needs and shape the region's development.
The Cassowary Coast Council has opened its MARKYT Community Scorecard and is asking residents to complete it by 6 November 2026. The survey lets residents rate council performance, services, facilities and programs, and share priorities for the region. The survey runs every two years. Earlier responses helped the council advocate for better medical services in Cardwell and Mission Beach, a university centre, and funding to improve the safety and accessibility of public spaces. Residents can complete the survey online or by returning a paper copy.
Central Coast Council is inviting residents to help shape the region's future. Feedback is being sought on a range of projects and plans that will influence community facilities.
The City of Greater Geelong is seeking community feedback on its draft public tree management policy, which guides the planning, planting, maintenance, protection and removal of over 190,000 urban trees. The updated policy prohibits permanent attachments to trees, expands tree removal pathways, and introduces a formal process for investigating tree root impacts. Feedback can be submitted before 11.59pm on Monday 2 November.
Central Coast Council is seeking feedback from older residents to shape its Positive Ageing Strategy 2027-2032.
Hepburn Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its Revenue Collection and Financial Hardship Policy. The survey is open until 19 October 2026. Council is reviewing the policy due to increasing unpaid rates, with about 1,000 of 8,000 residential ratepayers having overdue rates. Mayor Tony Clark said the council wants to support ratepayers experiencing financial hardship and improve the collection of overdue rates.
The Australian Government is seeking public input on proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) reforms, with submissions due by 14 October. Key areas under review include eligibility criteria, individual budget planning, framework adjustments, and a new support coordination service. The consultation targets people with disabilities, families, carers, advocates, health professionals, and support workers. Detailed guidelines and submission processes are available on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.