ONE of my biggest priorities as Mayor, and something our whole Council is committed to, is making Port Stephens a place where everyone feels they belong and can live a happy, healthy life.
Our Community Wellbeing Strategy is our roadmap for this, and a really important part of that is making sure people with disability are included in everything our community has to offer.
We know that to get this right, we need to listen carefully to those who understand the challenges and opportunities best. That’s why I’m excited to announce we’re setting up a new Disability Inclusion and Access Advisory Group.
This group will bring together people with lived experience of disability, their families and carers, and those who work in the disability sector in our community.
Their job will be to give Council advice and feedback on how we can make our services, facilities, and community spaces work better for everyone.
They’ll help us put our Disability Inclusion Action Plan into practice, focusing on things like changing attitudes, making our communities more liveable, improving job access, and making sure services are easy to use.
We can’t do this properly without the right voices around the table.
So, right now, we’re asking for people interested in joining this important group to put their hand up by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Whether you live with a disability yourself, care for someone who does, or work in the disability sector, your perspective is incredibly valuable.
This is an opportunity to share your insights, help shape Council decisions, and make a positive difference in Port Stephens.
It’s also a great opportunity to learn new skills and work together with others who are passionate about inclusion.
We want this group to truly reflect our community, so please don’t hesitate if you feel you have something to contribute. We need your voice.
To find out more about the advisory group and how to submit an EOI, please visit pscouncil.info/DIAAG-EOI. Applications close midnight 1 June 2025.
By Mayor Leah ANDERSON
