The community is invited to provide feedback on the draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023-2027 which will guide the council and the community to work together to ensure Mount Alexander Shire is a welcoming and inclusive place for people of all abilities.
The council worked with members of the Disability Action Plan Working Group, individuals with disability, carers and service providers, in creating the draft plan and consulted with the community in a variety of ways to ensure the plan reflects community needs and priorities.
Some of the key themes in the plan are equal, respectful and dignified access, opportunities in volunteering, education, promoting inclusion and participation and wellbeing and safety. Another theme is working to change attitudes and practices that lead to discrimination of people with disability.
The council has outlined a range of actions within the plan that work towards a shire that is a welcoming and inclusive place for people of all abilities including; the continuation of the council’s Parent Talk series, which includes neurodiversity topics and access to parent support networks, ensuring that all designs for new or improved parks, community facilities and streetscapes include a Disability Design Review and supporting the benefits of having a ‘quiet hour’ to businesses and service providers. Promotion of the accessibility category in the Mount Alexander Business Awards and disability awareness training for the council staff are also outlined actions.
Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Mayor, Cr Rosie Annear, said that the draft plan focuses on how the council can improve inclusion across the shire.
“While we’ve done thorough community consultation, and I’m confident that the draft plan reflects what we’ve heard so far about the wants and needs of the community, we need to make sure that we’ve got it right and haven’t missed anything,” said Mayor Annear.
“The more people we hear from, the stronger the plan will be and the better the outcomes for our community, so I encourage everyone to have a look at the draft plan and let us know what you think.”
Lorraine le Plastier, a member of Council’s Disability Action Plan Working Group, said that the plan was developed through significant consultation with people with disabilities, their carers and families, and disability advocates and allies in our shire.
“Their insights and experiences have helped us to create a planning foundation for the council to reverse discrimination experienced by people with disabilities, and to help strengthen our community to ensure people of all abilities feel included,” said Ms le Plastier.
“Inclusion is when people see themselves in their community, where people feel safe, welcome and accepted in all parts of their lives, with services and events that are accessible, safe and welcoming for everyone.”
Community members are encouraged to view the draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023-2027 and provide feedback by visiting www.shape.mountalexander.vic. gov.au/disability-action-plan and completing the quick survey. Alternatively, you can email feedback to disabilityinclusion@ mountalexander.vic.gov.au or by phoning 54711700. Submissions close on Friday 9 June.
Council will finalise the Disability Inclusion Action Plan in July, with the plan scheduled to go to Councillors for consideration in September.
For more information, contact Sarah Grade, Council’s Social Equity and Inclusion Officer, on 5471 1700 or email s.gradie@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.