MEDIA RELEASE

Central Coast Council is calling on community members with a lived experience of disability, their family members, carers, and advocates working in the local disability sector, to apply to join its Access and Inclusion Reference Group (AIRG).

Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith said as part of their role, members will help develop the next four-year Disability Inclusion Action Plan.

“AIRG members generously volunteer their time to share their lived experience, knowledge and insights to help Council further understand the barriers faced by people with disability and how to address these for a truly accessible and inclusive Central Coast,” Ms Smith said.

“This group will meet quarterly commencing September 2024 for a period of 12 to 18 months, providing valuable input to Council in matters relating to access and inclusion as well as the development of the new Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP), 2025-29. The DIAP sets out the actions that Council will deliver to enable people with disabilities to better access mainstream services, facilities, information and support to be fully included and able to participate in community life.”

Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart encourages interested community members to find out more and apply before Friday 19 July.

“To be a truly inclusive Council, we need to hear the voices of people who live with disabilities and understand the barriers they experience to fully participate in mainstream community life so we can implement effective plans and actions, Mr Hart said. 

“An ongoing engagement process enables genuine dialogue with community and stakeholders to ensure the DIAP actions are current, contemporary and achieve positive outcomes for people with disabilities. 

“The term of the current Access and Inclusion Reference Group has ended, and we thank these members for their valued contributions over the past 18 months in helping Council create a more inclusive and accessible Coast for locals and visitors.”

Expressions of interest are now open and close 5pm Friday 19 July 

To find out more and to apply, search ‘Access and Inclusion Reference Group EOI’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au. 

If any adjustments are required to ensure equitable access to submit an application in an alternative format or method, please contact Council’s Disability Inclusion Officer by calling 02 4306 7900 or email ask@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

ENDS

Photo caption: Access and Inclusion Reference Group members 2023-2024 
 

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