Over 10,000 residents (4.5% of population) in the Sutherland Shire local government area reported needing help in their day-to-day lives due to disability in 2021. Sutherland Shire Council encourages and promotes an open, tolerant and inclusive community where everyone thrives and has an opportunity to be heard.

Disability Inclusion Action Plan

Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan - PDF - 1768 KB was created in consultation with community disability services in accordance with the NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014.  An Easy Read Version of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan is also available

It aims to improve the lives of people with disability and moves us closer to a fully inclusive society for all. Sutherland Shire Council is committed to protecting the rights of people with disability and in promoting the value of diversity and inclusion across the community.

Report an accessibility issue

Contact us if you need to report an access issue.

Report an accessibility issue to us

ShireABILITY

ShireABILITY is proud to present the ShireABILITY Art Award 2023 as part of International Day of People with Disability on December 3rd. This year we were proud to exhibit artworks from people living with a disability at Hazelhurst Art Centre from the 25th of November 2022 to 11th of December 2022.

The winners of this year's ShireABILITY Art Award:

- Open Award Winner Kristy Lovegrove North Cronulla Pool. Listen to Kristy's interview with Art in Focus on 2SSR

- Open Award Highly Commended The Disability Trust Miranda Art Group  (Patricia Bekiaris, Natasha Clark, Tahlee Grant, Tyne Miller, Rachel O'Hanlon, Tracey Pearson, Luke Shumacher, William Tao, Therese Watson and Bronwyn Wills) Outback Dreams

- Young People's Award Winner Arabella Johnson My Eye For The Future

- Young People's Award Highly Commended Lachlan Brodala Fire Dragon Monster Truck

- People's Choice Award Julie Hayes Shine Bright

Proudly supported by Miranda RSL Diggers and Southgate. Stay tuned for further events with ShireABILITY. For more information email shireability@ssc.nsw.gov.au

Beaches for everyone

We believe beach access is important for everyone and we provide a range of options, including beach wheelchairs and Mobi-mats.

Beach wheelchairs

Three beach wheelchairs are available at Cronulla Beach.

• Summer season (September to April) 8.00am-4.00pm
• Winter season (May to September) 10.00am-2.00pm

Mobi-mats

A Mobi-mat can be rolled over the sand to reach the water’s edge. They can only be used when lifeguards are on duty and the weather and beach conditions permit.

Book a Mobi-mat

• Summer season (September to April) 8:00am-4:00pm
• Winter season (May to September) 10:00am-2:00pm

Limited accessible parking is available at Cronulla Beach in front of the lifeguard facilities. Please contact us to arrange a permit.

Libraries

Many Sutherland Shire Libraries are accessible for people who use a wheelchair or mobility device. Libraries also offer audiobooks, eBooks, captioned DVDs, online resources and a Home Library service.

Accessible sport and play

Sutherland Shire offers lots of inclusive sports and reaction programs for people with disabilities.

Sutherland, Caringbah and Engadine leisure centres have some accessible facilities. Sutherland Leisure Centre features an indoor pool hoist, aqua wheelchairs and pool ramp access.

We are actively improving the accessibility of our parks and playgrounds. This includes more inclusive play equipment and more accessible connections to - and between - facilities.

The playground at Burnum Burnum Sanctuary was upgraded in 2021 and features an accessible carousel, in-ground trampolines, level paths and softfall synthetic grass impact absorbing foam.

Cassandra Crescent Reserve focuses on all-abilities play.  The play equipment includes a ramp to the upper deck so less mobile children can join in the play.  Synthetic grass pathways through the play area provide better access for wheelchairs, while pram ramps and new paths at the entrance provide all-abilities access to the entire reserve.

The playground at Salmon Haul Bay in Cronulla includes synthetic turf, a wheelchair-accessible carousel, basket swing, sensory and imaginative play, accessible connections to picnic tables and a disabled access toilet.

Parc Menai near Menai Marketplace has ample parking and the playground includes a boundary fence and an accessible carousel.

Shelly Park is great for younger children. It has a large grassed area, barbecues, a fenced playground with a liberty swing and accessible walkways throughout the park.

St George and Sutherland Disability Interagency

Bayside Council, Georges River Council and Sutherland Shire Council host the St George and Sutherland Disability Interagency. Meeting quarterly the interagency aims to increase disability awareness, promote inclusivity and accessibility in the community, improve local networks and create working parties on disability related issues impacting the community.

If your organisation in interested in joining please contact salchin@ssc.nsw.gov.au

Zero Barriers

Zero Barriers aims to create a more accessible and inclusive business community by working together with businesses and services to make small changes to eliminate barriers for people with disability. Sutherland Shire Council is a proud member of Zero Barriers and has several facilities included on the Zero Barriers Business Directory.

Visit Zero Barriers Directory to view a list of businesses Zero Barriers Certified in the Sutherland Shire. To register your business complete the free accessibility guide and free assessment form

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