MEDIA RELEASE

Central Coast Council is calling on locals with lived experience of disability to share their ideas to improve access and inclusion for people with disability who live, work and play on the Central Coast. Feedback from a range of in-person and online engagement activities will be used by Council to develop the next Disability Inclusion Action Plan for 2026-30.

Council Director of Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said the Disability Inclusion Action Plan sets out achievable and practical steps to make our community more accessible and inclusive.

“The action plan aims to create positive community attitudes and behaviours, more liveable communities, meaningful employment opportunities, and accessible systems and processes for those living with disabilities,” Ms Smith said. 

“Community input is an integral part of developing a Disability Inclusion Action Plan and helps us understand what’s working well and what can be improved. 

“We encourage people living with disability, their family, carers and advocacy groups to join the conversation, share their knowledge and experiences by participating in one of our online forums, community workshops or pop-ups, or by completing our online survey.”

“All feedback and ideas will play a crucial role in helping us to draft our new Disability Inclusion Action Plan.  

“This will ensure the Plan reflects the needs and aspirations of people with lived experience of disability in our community.  We will come back to the community to present the draft for further feedback before being adopted by Council later this year.” 

Community consultation 

• Online survey – learn more and provide feedback by Friday 9 May at yourvoiceourcoast.com
• Community workshop - Thursday 8 May, 5pm to 7pm - Council Administration Building, 2 Hely St, Wyong.
• Shopping centre pop-up - Wednesday 7 May, 10am to 12:30 pm – Tuggerah Westfield 

Council Mayor Lawrie McKinna said there are approximately 24,000 people living with a disability on the Central Coast.

"This diverse group of people with varying types and levels of disability, needs and circumstances are an integral part of our community and contribute to the social, cultural, and economic life of the region," Mayor McKinna said.

“Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan details the strategies and actions that Council is implementing to create positive outcomes for people in our community.

“The delivery of the Plan, in collaboration with our community, local disability advocacy groups and organisations, and other levels of Government, helps people with disability to have improved access to mainstream services, information, facilities, and open spaces.

“Council is committed to making meaningful progress in creating a more accessible and inclusive Central Coast.”

Highlights of some delivered actions from the current Disability Inclusion Action Plan (2021-25)

Attitudes and behaviours

• Virtual Reality experiences to promote understanding and awareness.
• Council launched the Sunflower Campaign on International Day of People with Disability.
• Invisible Disabilities Awareness campaign.
• Shared Pathways are for Everyone wayfinding project.
• Accessible Brochures developed on nature and beach destinations and playspaces.

Liveable Communities

• Accessible and Inclusive pottery program.
• Accessible adult changing facilities installed at The Entrance Visitor. Centre, Gosford Olympic Pool and one in the new Regional Library currently under construction.
• Accessible playspaces – new and upgraded outdoor playspaces across the Coast
• Accessible bus stops constructed, with 41 completed in the last financial year.
• Improvement to Council facilities, pools and leisure centres. For example, Niagara Park Stadium, Visitor Information Centre at The Entrance.
• Events and Activities at Libraries (sensory glow room, AUSLAN interpreted storytime and Plot Play).

Employment

• Flexible Work Arrangements in place for staff who disclosed they require reasonable adjustments due to disability.
• Work experience opportunities for people with disability, including in libraries, administration and mechanics.
• Specialised training to Council supervisors on neurodiversity.
• Mental health webinar for staff hosted by Headspace.

Systems and Processes

• Convened quarterly Access & Inclusion Reference Group Meetings.
• Adapted Council’s Outdoor Trading Guidelines.
• Implemented Speech to text technology at our customer service centres.
• Emergency preparedness AUSLAN interpreted sessions.

Find out more and have your say by 9 May 2025 at yourvoiceourcoast.com