Project Background

Council is reviewing and updating our Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) to help build a more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming community for everyone.

The DIAP sets out the actions Council will take to remove barriers, improve access to services and facilities, foster positive attitudes and behaviours, and support the development of inclusive, livable communities.

Your feedback is essential in shaping these actions and making real progress toward inclusion.

Have your say by 5 December 2025.

Council's existing DIAP plan will expire 30 June 2026. You can read the plan here.

What is a Disability Inclusion Action Plan?

The DIAP is the Council’s roadmap to remove barriers and implement inclusive principles, processes, systems, and practices.

By implementing the DIAP, Council aims to foster the creation of an inclusive community that enables people with disability to access employment, transport, local businesses and buildings, community events, festivals and recreation and leisure facilities.

An inclusive community enables a person with disability to participate in community life and enjoy what Bayside has to offer with their family, friends and carers.

The DIAP includes goals and actions under four key focus areas, which are:


Meaningful Employment

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Systems and Processes

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Attitudes and Behaviours

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Liveable Cities

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Have Your Say

2022 - 2026 DIAP - Achievements

Through the DIAP, Council continues to strengthen access, inclusion, and participation for people with disability, their families, and carers across Bayside. Over the past for years, Council has achieved several significant outcomes across the four focus areas, including:
  • Established Walking Football at McCarthy Reserve and continued inclusive swimming lessons with Rainbow Club.
  • Improved event accessibility with Auslan interpretation and developed internal Auslan booking protocols.
  • Maintained public toilet accessibility information and completed a Beach Access Assessment, informing future foreshore upgrades.
  • Applied Universal Design Principles to Botany Aquatic Centre designs.
  • Delivered autism inclusion training to frontline staff.
  • Commissioned a Deaf-Hearing Audit of Council facilities, with actions underway.
  • Expanded Home Library Services to group homes.
  • Ensured website compliance with WCAG 2.2 standards.
  • Key information and engagement material offered in alternate formats upon request.
  • Delivered autism awareness training and upgraded hearing loop systems at Council Chambers.
  • Expanded inclusive library programs, Sensory Storytime, and outreach to young adults with disability.
  • Marked International Day of People with Disability with awareness programs in childcare centres.
  • Supported staff with disability through workplace adjustments and accessible recruitment processes.
  • Provided employment via the Bayside Garden Centre and inclusive apprenticeships and traineeships.
  • Strengthened partnerships through the Disability Interagency and Employment Working Group.
  • Recognised inclusive businesses via the Bayside Business Awards.
  • Engaged staff in training, consultation, and surveys to improve workplace inclusion.
  • Maintained a diverse workforce across Aboriginal, multicultural, LGBTQI+, and disability representation.
  • Promoted disability inclusion through library programs, exhibitions, and collaborations with disability-led arts organisations.
  • Supported carers and older residents with tailored programs, workshops, and resources.
  • Applied inclusive event planning standards at major events, with the Bayside Spring Fair trialling accessible features.
  • Created opportunities for people with disability to participate as stallholders, performers, and artists.
  • Continued quarterly DIAP Working Group meetings to guide implementation and shape the next DIAP

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Who's listening

Community Engagement Team

Email: haveyoursay@bayside.nsw.gov.au