Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer with staff at the Greenacres Cafe in Shellharbour Airport. Photo: Shellharbour City Council.
Shellharbour residents are being invited to share their experiences and ideas on how the city can become more accessible for people with disability.
Their feedback will help shape the next Disability Access and Inclusion Plan, as Shellharbour City Council reviews progress and plans the next steps for a more inclusive community.
The previous Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2023–2026 was developed in consultation with the Disability Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee and the wider Shellharbour community.
It focused on four key areas: building positive community attitudes, creating accessible and liveable environments, supporting meaningful employment opportunities, and improving access to services through better systems and practices.
Since the plan’s adoption, Shellharbour has seen a number of positive outcomes for the community, particularly for people with disability.
Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer said he was proud of council’s progress, with a highlight including exploring and implementing strategies to increase access to on-street and off-street accessible parking and drop-off points in the city.
Shellharbour Airport has inclusivity at its heart. Photo: Shellharbour City Council.
“Council has a long history of working alongside our community to make Shellharbour a place where people with disabilities and their carers and families are able to live, work and play as equals,” Cr Homer said.
“I am proud of what we have achieved through this plan so far, and I’m excited to see how we will continue advancing access and inclusion over the next three years.”
Other highlights have included ensuring accessible facilities and services at Shellharbour Airport, with its “Fly From Home” campaign putting accessibility at the heart of travel.
The terminal’s modern design allows smooth navigation for wheelchairs and prams, while it’s also partnered with the Sunflower Hidden Disabilities Program, offering safe spaces and assistance for neurodivergent travellers, seniors and people living with disabilities that may not be immediately apparent.
During the summer, the 50-metre Beverley Whitfield Pool in Shellharbour Village underwent works to include an accessible ramp into the water and a water wheelchair.
Community members can help shape the priorities of the next plan by sharing their thoughts on disability access and inclusion either in-person or online.
A drop-in session for service providers has been organised for 20 March from 10 am to 1 pm at the Shellharbour Civic Centre.
Drop-in sessions for community members include 25 March from 3:30 to 5 pm at the Shellharbour Civic Centre; 26 March from 9 to 11 am at the Shellharbour Civic Centre; and 1 April from 10 am to noon at Upper Park, Calderwood (corner of Connection Road and Escarpment Drive).
Feedback can also be provided via the online portal at Let’s Chat or by emailing [email protected] or phoning 4221 6111.
