Join the Access and Inclusion Advisory Panel
Make a positive impact on disability accessibility and inclusion in our district by expressing your interest in joining our Access and Inclusion Advisory Panel today.
Background
The District Council of Grant is committed to ensuring people within our community who have a lived experience of disability can access services to participate in all aspects of life.
Council's Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2020 – 2024 sets the roadmap to achieve our vision to be a fully inclusive society that values and respects all people as equal and contributing members of the community. The Plan outlines 64 actions envisaged to be delivered over a 4-year period to increased accessibility across 4 key areas:
- Information and Communication
- Built Environments and Facilities
- Employment
- Programs and Services
Key action 1.4 detailed within the Plan is to establish a Disability Access and Inclusion Advisory Group to advise, monitor, evaluate and review Council’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan and make recommendations as appropriate.
Council’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan will be updated early in 2025 when new State Government Legislation has been gazetted.
What does an Advisory Panel Member do and who's involved?
The role of the Access and Inclusion Advisory Panel is to identify and assist Council in the delivery of priority actions within the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2020 - 2024. As detailed within the Advisory Panel's Terms of Reference, members are also required to:
- Provide advice and feedback to District Council of Grant employees on policy or project development and review, across all areas relevant to people with disability;
- Provide advice and feedback to the District Council of Grant employees related to the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan;
- Advise on submissions Council may make relating to State and Federal Government strategy, policy, regulation and legislation;
- Provide advice to Council of how to identify issues that are relevant to people with disability and how to priorities projects; and
- To identify Disability Access and Inclusion project opportunities in the District.
The Access and Inclusion Advisory Panel consists of up to 12 members, with at least 2 members having lived experience of disability. Current members include:
The Advisory Panel include 3 District Council of Grant Elected Members, up to 6 Independent Members and up to 3 Organisational (disability sector or related) Members.
The term of membership for individuals is 2 years, with a right to reappoint for a further 2 years. Individuals may serve for up to a maximum of 4 years. Organisational membership will be reviewed every 2 years to ensure the Access and Inclusion Advisory Penl remains representative of the sector. Elected Members are appointed for a 4-year term to coincide with the Council term.
It is envisaged that the Advisory Panel will meet at least twice a year, with additional meetings anticipated in the consultation period leading up to the review and adoption of the 2025 – 2029 Disability Action and Inclusion Plan.
Apply to join our Advisory Panel today!
The District Council of Grant is currently seeking expressions of interest for additional members. Expressions of interest for membership close 5:00pm Friday 25 October 2024.
Interested community members are invited to complete an Application Form to apply for the Access and Inclusion Advisory Panel and submit by:
- Online via the below Expression of Interest Form
- Email info@dcgrant.sa.gov.au
- Written application addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, PO Box 724, Mount Gambier SA 5290 or delivered to the District Council of Grant, 324 Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier
Interested individuals are encouraged to speak with a Council staff member about their expression of interest on (08) 8721 0444.
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Hearing loop solution installed for locals and visitors
Share Hearing loop solution installed for locals and visitors on Facebook Share Hearing loop solution installed for locals and visitors on Twitter Share Hearing loop solution installed for locals and visitors on Linkedin Email Hearing loop solution installed for locals and visitors linkDistrict Council of Grant invests in a hearing loop solution to better support those hard of hearing following advice from the Access and Inclusion Advisory Panel.
At the end of 2023, Council’s Access and Inclusion Advisory Panel recommended action be taken to investigate options for installation of hearing loop technology. Subsequently, Council explored available systems and approved for a multiple function hearing loop solution to be installed at the Council owned and operated Port MacDonnell Community Complex.
Access and Inclusion Advisory Panel Presiding Member Councillor Katherine Greene said this is a step forward for Council in breaking down barriers associated with participating in community events and engaging with Council.
“Council is continually improving inclusivity for a range of accessibility requirements which also align with our Disability Access and Inclusion Plan,” Cr Greene said.
“At the Port MacDonnell Community Complex, large print books are available in the library for those with vision impairments, accessible toilets built for those with physical disabilities and now a new hearing loop solution for those with hearing difficulties,”
“Council and the Access and Inclusion Advisory Panel, together, are committed to ensuring our community is one that is connected and inclusive for residents and visitors.”
The hearing loop solution comprises two components to improve the hearing experience for all users of the Community Complex. Those include:
1. Infrared hearing loop
The infrared hearing loop system transfers sound through a microphone during events at the Community Complex. Sounds are sent to a pendant receiver, provided to Community Complex guests, and transmitted direct to a telecoil function in a hearing device. Those who do not have telecoil connectivity are still able to use the hearing loop system via a pair of lightweight headphones.
The system also links to 24 roof mounted speakers installed across three areas of the Community Complex, youth area, library and art gallery, creating higher quality sound for other audience members. Additionally, audio from the youth area’s television can be transmitted through the infrared hearing loop system during online presentations and trainings.
2. Hearing assistance station
The compact hearing assistance station, located at the front counter of the Community Complex, transfers audio from staff behind the counter through a microphone direct to telecoil equipped hearing devices. This station also be used via a handset which can be placed close to a customer’s ear for those without telecoil connectivity.
Installation has been completed and signs will be displayed at the Port MacDonnell Community Complex to remind visitors with hearing devices to switch them to the telecoil function. Community Complex staff are available to provide assistance in utilising the hearing loop system functions.
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Council Delivers Access and Inclusion Actions
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Recommendations from the Access and Inclusion Advisory Panel (AIAP) have been actioned by the District Council of Grant making Donovans Landing more accessible for users.
The District Council of Grant recently completed concreting works at the Donovans Landing to safely connect newly installed accessible picnic tables, existing carpark and Dononvans River Wharf. The area was identified for further improvement after the AIAP’s district wide bus tour in August 2022 where the Panel made recommendations to Council to increase accessibility.
WDEA Works Director of Employment and Sustainability and, Access and Inclusion Advisory Panel member Brett Orr said improvements like this are crucial to create inclusiveness.
“The work that Council is doing currently to close the gap and break down the barriers for those who may live with disability or experience vulnerability within their life is commendable. I feel privileged to be part of this advisory group to help shape and embed inclusive spaces for all within the community,” Mr Orr said.
“Being part of the advisory group is a responsibility to ensure that Council scope, consult, develop, and launch a Disability Access and Inclusion Plan that is meaningful to the community to which it represents.”
In 2021, Donovans Landing also underwent additional upgrades with the completion of a new accessible toilet facility. This project was one of many that were and will be completed to meet actions within Council’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) for 2020-2024.
District Council of Grant’s Team Leader – Development Services John Best said Council is committed to continuing to help improve the quality of life for people living with a disability.
“Projects that we are doing, like the replacement of picnic tables with accessible tables, help meet some of the actions within Council’s existing Disability Access and Inclusion Plan and with the creation of paths linking various elements on a property this helps make a complete accessible area,” Mr Best said.
“The Donovans Landing precinct is now the most accessible it has ever been in and is open for visitors of all abilities to enjoy.”
Who's Listening
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Phone 08 8721 0444 Email info@dcgrant.sa.gov.au -
Phone 08 8721 0444 Email info@dcgrant.sa.gov.au