First Nations Advisory Panel

First Nations Advisory Panel

Greater Cities Commission

**“The voices and perspectives of the traditional custodians must guide and shape our future.”**

The Greater Cities Commission is driving Australia’s first global multi-city region in NSW: by 2061, the combined and networked strengths of six great cities will have made the city region a global economic leader and magnet for investment and talent, and home to almost a quarter of the nation. We’re doing this to deliver the benefits of global economic scale and local liveability for everyone who lives here.

Our role is to lead the strategic planning that will shape the future of our region, accelerate the delivery of key innovation districts and lead discussion on major city-shaping issues.

Respectfully recognising First Nations peoples and caring for Country will guide the planning and design of the multi-city region in many ways. Recognising and celebrating concepts of Country will enable a deeper understanding of and connection to place. Enabling truth telling and demonstrating a real willingness to walk beside First Nations people is essential to reforming the planning process and will provide socio-economic and health and wellbeing opportunities for generations to come.

The move towards active recognition of First Nations peoples’ ongoing custodianship of the land is a fundamental shift in NSW’s strategic planning.

As a first step, the Commission will establish a First Nations Advisory Panel to advise on regional strategic planning. The Panel will provide strategic advice to the Commission and guide implementation of the Region and City Plans.

**First Nations Advisory Panel**

The Panel will consist of six members - two members providing expertise in each of the Social, Environment and Economic thematic areas. The Panel will be chaired by the Social Commissioner. It has no Executive powers, and will be directly responsible to the Chief Executive Officer.

Panel members will engage with communities and other Commissioners, maintain connections and lead discussions with local communities, groups, and networks to better understand the views and perspectives of First Nations communities in each city.

**How To Apply**

Applications close Monday 13 February 2023.
- The Greater Cities Commission proudly acknowledges Australia’s First Peoples as the traditional custodians of the lands and waters of what we call the six cities. We pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise and value the extraordinary and ongoing contribution of First Nations peoples and communities to Australian life, and how this enriches all Australians. We embrace the spirit of recognition, working towards ensuring both an equal voice and equity in all aspects of our society._