Council is seeking expressions of interest from the community to join the Access and Inclusion Reference Group (AIRG), to support the implementation of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2021-2025 (DIAP).  The reference group contributes to improving accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities on the coast.

Council's Director of Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said the reference group is imperative in ensuring the DIAP’s actions are of real value to the community.

“The reference group is an ongoing genuine dialogue with the community and stakeholders to ensure the DIAP actions are current, contemporary and achieve outcomes of full community participation for people with disabilities.

“If you are someone who lives with a disability, are a family member or carer of someone living with a disability or are working in the disability sector, we encourage you to submit an Expression of Interest to join the AIRG”, Ms Smith said.

Council administrator, Rik Hart said the AIRG plays an important role in ensuring that the voices of people with a lived experience of disability are heard.

“People with disabilities are an integral part of our community and contribute daily to the social, cultural and economic life of the Central Coast region.

“The reference group allows Council to be truly responsive in supporting inclusivity in our community and to fully understand the barriers people with disability experience living in the community.

“The group informs Council how to improve access to services, facilities and information on the Coast for people with a disability”, Mr Hart said.

Applications for Expressions of Interest open Monday 10 October and close Friday 5pm, 28 October.

To apply and learn more about Council’s Access and Inclusion Reference Group, visit www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/accessandinclusionreferencegroup

ENDS