The DIA invites all members to consider nominating to join their local State/Territory Council.

Design Institute of Australia (DIA) Councils are an integral part of the DIA, charged with building a localised community to support DIA members in their professional practice. Councils nurture through the creation of networks and amplify members’ ideas and concerns to help shape and direct the activity of the DIA.

We are seeking members who are well respected, well connected and who come with ideas and passion. Effective Councils will be diverse and it is important that a range of design disciplines and experience levels are represented; from student to long time practice director, we want to hear from you.

Councillors are voted in by DIA members. Successfully elected Councillors appoint their own Chair and Deputy Chair. Council Chairs and Deputy Chairs form the DIA National Advisory Council (NAC). 


This year we are appointing members to the:

• ACT Council: 3 vacancies

• NSW Council: 5 vacancies

• QLD Council: 3 vacancies

• SA/NT Council: 5 vacancies

• TAS Council: 0 vacancies

• VIC Council: 6 vacancies

• WA Council: 3 vacancies

Councillors will be invited to nominate for a position on the national:

• Education Committee

• Policy and Advocacy Committee

• Membership and Community Committee

The election timeline is as follows:

• 25 September:
  Call for nominations

• 8 October:
  Nominations close 

• 8 – 12 October:
  DIA to assess applications for eligibility

• 14 October:
  Notification to nominees on election progression

• 16 – 28 October: 
  Elections open to DIA membership (where more than necessary nominations are received for a particular Council)

• 29 October:
  Candidates notified of election results

• First two weeks of November:
  Councils meet to appoint Chairs/Deputy Chairs/Advisory Roles

• 14 November:
  AGM and endorsement of new Councillors

• ~ 19 November:
  New Councils announced to membership

• 20 November:
  Council induction (online)

• 27 November:
  NAC meeting (non-formal)

Express your interest to join your local Council by completing this online form by COB 8 October.

Help design a DIA you want to be part of. Please direct any questions to Georgina at community@design.org.au.