Making inclusion everyone’s business

The community is being invited to have its say in making Nillumbik more inclusive for people with disability.

Coffee and chat sessions are being held across the Shire over the next few weeks to further discuss actions for the new Nillumbik Disability Action Plan over the next four years.

Mayor Karen Egan said being more accessible and inclusive benefited everyone.

“The Eltham Leisure Centre aquatic facility is a shining example of a facility that is accessible to all,” Cr Egan said.

People with disability, their family, carers and anyone who wants to support inclusion in Nillumbik are being asked for their input.

Issues identified so far include people with disability finding volunteer work or training, as well as barriers to joining social groups.

Chair of the Inclusion Advisory Committee Cr Grant Brooker said feedback would be used to determine Council’s policy into the future. “Inclusion is everyone’s business,” Cr Brooker said.

A Council Inclusion Officer will be at seven coffee and chat sessions which run from March 19 – 30 at a number of venues across the Shire including cafes, libraries, community hubs and leisure centres at Eltham, Diamond Creek, Yarrambat, St Andrews and Hurstbridge.

One session will be at the Yarrambat Golf Club – where golfers from St John of God Accord disability services meet weekly to play social golf.

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