Over 10,000 residents in Sutherland Shire reported needing help due to disability, according to the 2021 census. Council encourages and promotes an open, tolerant and inclusive community. Everyone has an opportunity to be heard and thrive.

Disability Inclusion Action Plan

Council is guided by our Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP). The 2022-2026 DIAP was created in consultation with the community and disability services.  It aims to improve the lives of people with disability and moves us closer to an inclusive society for all.

View our Disability Inclusion Action Plan - PDF - 1768 KB

An Easy Read Version of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan is also available.

The DIAP is in accordance with the NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014.

Council is committed to protecting the rights of people with disability. We are committed to promoting the value of diversity and inclusion our community.

Report an accessibility issue

Contact us if you need to report an access issue.

Report an accessibility issue to us

ShireABILITY

Find out more about ShireABILITY and sign up to the newsletter to learn more about upcoming events and initiatives for people with a disability living in the Sutherland Shire.

Local Business Awards - Access and Inclusion Award

Nominate a local business going above and beyond for the Access and Inclusion Award. The Access & Inclusion Award recognises businesses improving participation for people with disability.

Enter a local business today. Nominations close 15 May. Part of the Sutherland Shire Local Business Awards.

Judges will be looking for outstanding inclusion from businesses including:

• Undertaking structural improvements to make premises accessible
• Providing disability awareness training or education to staff
• Providing employment opportunities and vocational support to people with disability.

"The partnership with Civic offers important opportunities for people with disabilities to experience a new work environment, develop skills and expand personal networks; and enables Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries to continue building an inclusive workplace.”  Rob Smart, OneCrown Executive Director of Operations.

Read about the Access and Inclusion Award 2022 winner, Woronora Memorial Park, and their partnership with CIVIC Disability Services here.

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.

For more information about Accessible Beaches across Australia visit Accessible Beaches Australia.

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 recreation 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 improving the accessibility and safety of our parks and playgrounds. This includes more accessible connections between facilities and inclusive play equipment. Find more information on accessible playgrounds in the Sutherland Shire.

We are building two regional-level all abilities playgrounds. These playgrounds will meet the Everyone Can Play guidelines for inclusive play spaces. For more information on these parks:

Cooper Street Reserve, Engadine

Waratah Park, Sutherland

St George and Sutherland Disability Interagency

Hosted by Bayside Council, Georges River Council and Sutherland Shire Council. The interagency aims to:

• increase disability awareness
• promote inclusivity and accessibility in the community
• improve local networks
• create working parties on disability related issues impacting the community.

Interagency meetings are held online quarterly. If your organisation in interested in joining please contact salchin@ssc.nsw.gov.au

Zero Barriers

Zero Barriers are working together with businesses to remove barriers to access and promote inclusivity. Sutherland Shire Council is a proud member of Zero Barriers.

Visit Zero Barriers Directory to view a list of local certified businesses.

Want to improve your business? Check out the free accessibility guide for tips on how to improve accessibility. To register tour business for the Zero Barriers Directory complete the free assessment form

Contact the Community Connections team