Lived experience will play a crucial role in shaping local initiatives to improve access and liveability for people of all abilities across the North Sydney area.
North Sydney Council’s new Access and Inclusion Committee, comprised of community members with lived experience with a disability, advises Council on strategies and initiatives to make North Sydney more accessible and inclusive.
Applications to join the committee are welcomed from people with lived experience with a disability who are interested in improving access and inclusion in North Sydney. Young people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities are especially encouraged to apply.
North Sydney Mayor Zoë Baker said: “Council is grateful to the members of our new Access and Inclusion Committee for sharing their lived experience as well as their expertise and passion for improving outcomes for people with a disability. Their guidance will be an invaluable resource as we work towards a more accessible and liveable community for everyone.”
In addition to advising on enhancing accessibility and promoting inclusion across Council infrastructure, facilities and services, the Committee will guide the implementation of Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026 and other relevant strategies and policies.
It will also advise on encouraging attitudinal change within the community to promote access and inclusion for all, and help to embed the social model of disability across Council operations.
The Committee will meet four times a year, to give recommendations and share expertise that will help improve local services and facilities for everyone. They have already been instrumental in the early stages of developing Council’s Social Inclusion Strategy.
Recent Council initiatives to improve accessibility include new accessible parking at the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability, improving website navigation for people with vision impairments, and providing accessibility training for Council employees.
With the Committee’s help, Council will continue to make improvements to the local area and its services – from signage to footpaths, inclusive playgrounds to library resources.
