Join Bellingen Shire Council's Access and Inclusion Reference Group

Bellingen Shire Council is inviting community members to join the newly established Access and Inclusion Reference Group. This advisory group is being created to provide feedback and advice on access and inclusion, as well as ageing well in our Shire. This group aims to ensure that the voices of older adults, people with disabilities, carers, those with access needs and advocates are heard.  

The Reference Group will complement Council’s existing community engagement efforts, providing an additional platform for meaningful consultation on matters important to the community.  

Mayor Cr. Steve Allan welcomed the establishment of the group, saying:  

"The Access and Inclusion Reference Group is an important step towards creating a more inclusive and accessible community. We want to ensure that everyone—regardless of age or ability— can participate fully in the life in our Shire. This group will play a vital role in helping Council understand the challenges and opportunities our community faces while enabling us to deliver on key actions outlined in the Disability Inclusion Action Plan and Ageing Well Strategy. Together, we can work to make a meaningful difference."  

The Reference Group aims to:  

• Represent and advocate for older adults and people living with disability.  

• Advise Council on issues and opportunities relating to ageing, access, and inclusion.  

• Support the implementation of the Ageing Well Strategy 2024-28 and the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026 (DIAP).  

• Gather and share input from the community to help identify emerging challenges and opportunities.  

The group will operate informally, meeting as needed at accessible venues across the Shire, with ongoing communication via email, phone, and other channels to keep members engaged throughout the year.  

Council is seeking a diverse group of members who live or work in the Bellingen Shire and have an interest in promoting inclusion and accessibility. This includes:  

• Older adults (aged 55+).  

• People with lived experience of disability.  

• Carers of older adults or people with disabilities.  

• Members of organisations or community groups focusing on access, inclusion and/or ageing well.  

• Individuals with knowledge of relevant issues or a passion for creating positive change.  

Membership is flexible, with no fixed term, and new members can join at any time.  

Apply via the Access and Inclusion Reference page on Council's website.

or complete a hard copy application form available at our three Shire libraries, the Dorrigo Support Centre and the Council Administration Building.  

For further details, please contact the Community Partnerships Team: community@bellingen.nsw.gov.au or 66557300.