Programs and services for people with a disability currently available in Sutherland Shire
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 was proud to present the ShireABILITY Art Award 2022 as part of International Day of People with Disability on December 3rd. 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 the 2022 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
Local Business Awards - Access and Inclusion Award
"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.
The Access and Inclusion Award seeks to recognise the efforts of those organisations and businesses in Sutherland Shire LGA that have made their business inclusive to the whole community. Judges will be looking for examples of outstanding inclusion by businesses who endeavour to improve access and/or participation for people with disability in their community. 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.
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.
- 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.
Accessible toilet and change room
An accessible toilet, change room and shower is located at Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club.
Accessible parking
Accessible parking is available at our beaches.
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 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
What's On
Relax, laugh and make new connections at our Carers Week Morning Tea
WED 18 October 2023
Gymea Tradies
Join Disability Sport Australia and Sutherland Shire Council in a fun day of free sports
MON 4 December 2023
Menai Indoor Sports Centre
Useful Links
- National Relay Service - Phone solution service for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or who have a speech impairment and need to communicate over the phone
- National Disability Insurance Scheme - The NDIS provides funding to eligible people with disability to gain greater independence and an improved quality of life
- Ageing and Disability Helpline - 1800 628 221 or visit Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline | Family & Community Services (nsw.gov.au)
- Mental Health Info Card - Information on service providers in the Sutherland Shire area for Mental Health.
- National Public Toilet Map - a listing of public toilets.
- Companion Cards - The NSW Companion Card program is for people who need a high level of care in the community and allows a cardholder's support person free entry into participating venues and events.
- Pensioner concessions and rebates - information about what is available and how to apply.
- Anti-Discrimination NSW - Fact Sheets and Easy Read Resources around Disability Discrimination
- Legal Aid - Free legal advice and service including specialised services such as NDIS Service legal help, Mental Health Advocacy Service and Your Story Disability Legal Support for the Disability Royal Commission.
- Job Access - National hub for workplace and employment information for people with a disability, employers and service providers
- Carer Gateway - Free services and support for carers of people with a disability, medical condition, mental illness or those who are frail due to age
- Service NSW - Various financial assistance, resources and supports for people with a disability including Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme, Assisted School Travel Program, Applications for Vision Impaired Person's Travel Pass and Mobility Parking Scheme
- Enable NSW - Provides assistive technology and related services to people in NSW with specific, short term or ongoing health needs to assist them to live safely at home.
- Services Australia - Information on payments and services for people with a disability including Youth Disability Supplement, Child Disability Assistance Payment, Mobility Allowance, Special Disability Trusts and the Disability Support Pension
- Disability Royal Commission - Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability