Shellharbour City Council has officially adopted its Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2026-2030, reinforcing its commitment to creating a more accessible, inclusive and connected community for people of all abilities.
The plan is now available to the public and outlines a range of actions to reduce barriers and improve access to services, facilities, programs and public spaces across the city.
Caption: Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer with Alison Bathe from the Greenacres Outsider Art Program, whose artwork features on the cover of Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026-2030. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council.
The plan has been developed in consultation with people with disability, carers, service providers, advocacy organisations, community groups, Council’s Disability Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee, Council staff and the broader community.
Mayor Chris Homer said the adopted plan reflects Council’s commitment to ensuring everyone can fully participate in community life.
“This plan is about creating a city where everyone feels welcome, valued and supported to participate in the community,” Mayor Homer said.
“The actions in this plan will help improve accessibility, strengthen inclusion and ensure our services, facilities and public spaces are designed with everyone in mind.”
Mayor Homer said the plan was shaped by the voices and lived experiences of the community.
“We are grateful to everyone who contributed their ideas, experiences and feedback throughout the development of this plan. Their insights have helped create a practical roadmap for making Shellharbour a more inclusive place to live, work and play.”
The DIAP is built around four key focus areas:
- Developing positive community attitudes and upholding the rights of people with disability
- Creating liveable and safer communities
- Supporting access to meaningful employment and independence
- Improving access to mainstream services through better systems and processes
The adopted plan also features original artwork by Alison Bathe, an artist from the Greenacres Outsider Art Program.
A passionate artist known for her colourful and expressive creations, Alison uses art as a way to share her creativity and connect with others.
Her vibrant ocean-inspired cover artwork, featuring currents, bubbles, foam and turtles, celebrates inclusion, belonging and connection, reflecting the spirit and aspirations of the plan.
Greenacres CEO Karen Burdett said Greenacres was proud to see Alison’s talent recognised through the plan.
“Greenacres is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have Alison’s artwork featured on the cover of Shellharbour City Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan,” Ms Burdett said.
“It is a proud and fitting recognition of Alison’s creativity and the important role artists with disability play in our community.”
“Seeing her work showcased in this way highlights the value of inclusive platforms that celebrate diverse voices and perspectives.”
Mayor Homer said featuring Alison’s artwork on the cover was a meaningful way to recognise the contribution of local artists and people with disability, while bringing the plan’s vision to life.
“The Disability Inclusion Action Plan is about ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute and thrive in our community, and Alison’s artwork beautifully captures that spirit of connection and belonging,” Mayor Homer said.
“Her artwork serves as a reminder that inclusion is about recognising and celebrating the talents, perspectives and contributions of every member of our community.”
The Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026-2030 meets Council’s obligations under the Disability Inclusion Act 2014 and Disability Inclusion Amendment Act 2022, while supporting Council’s broader vision of building cohesive, inclusive and diverse communities.
KEY MESSAGES
- Shellharbour City Council has adopted its Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026-2030, setting a clear roadmap for improving accessibility and inclusion across the city.
- The plan was developed with extensive community input and outlines practical actions to reduce barriers for people with disability.
- Alison Bathe from the Greenacres Outsider Art Program has her artwork featured on the plan cover, celebrating inclusion, creativity and community connection.
