East Gippsland Shire Council is inviting people with disability, their families, carers and support organisations to be part of a new way of having their say on their projects and decisions.
The East Gippsland Disability Network is now open for expressions of interest, offering a dedicated and safe space for people with a disability, carers, friends, family and organisations that work with the disability community to share their views on Council projects and decisions.
The network builds on the work of the former Disability Advisory Committee, which supported Council’s approach to disability access and inclusion for many years. This new model widens that circle, giving more people across the shire the opportunity to get involved in a way that suits them.
People who join the network will have access to a private online hub, where they’ll be able to discuss projects, share feedback and help identify barriers that might otherwise go unnoticed. There will also be opportunities for in-person engagement.
Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth said the network was about making sure Council’s decisions reflected the real experiences of people with disability across the shire.
“We are committed to making it easier for you to have your say and be involved in shaping our community,” Cr Ashworth said.
“This network gives us a genuine, ongoing way to listen – not just once, but as an ongoing conversation that helps us design better spaces, services and programs for everyone.”
Council is committed to making the process itself accessible, with information available in easy read and large print formats, and support on hand for anyone who needs help completing the expression of interest.
“If you have lived experience with disability, are a family member, friend or carer of a person with disability, or an organisation or stakeholder representative, we’d love for you to apply to join the network,” Cr Ashworth said.
