People with disability, their family and friends, and local service providers are being asked to share their ideas about how to make the Cessnock local government area more inclusive.
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Cessnock City Council is reviewing its 2017-2021 Disability Inclusion Action Plan and developing a new plan for the next four years, and information collected during the consultation will assist in this review.
Cessnock mayor Bob Pynsent said community involvement in the review of this plan is critical.
"We're really keen to hear from the community, about their own experiences and ideas about how we can make it easier for those with disability, both living and visiting the LGA," he said.
"All input from the community will greatly assist in council outlining practical steps that can be achieved in the next four years of the DIAP."
Accessibility improvements to council's website, the incorporation of the NSW Government's Everyone Can Play Guidelines in the design of playgrounds and the introduction of the National Relay Service by the customer service team were among the actions taken by council since the plan was adopted in 2017.
A number of community engagement activities are planned, including individual feedback sessions at Cessnock Library on Wednesday, September 16 (10am-2pm), and Thursday, September 17 (4pm-7pm). Book your 20-minute timeslot at eventbrite.com.au or by calling the council on 4993 4100.
People can also get creative with their feedback, by submitting a drawing, painting, song or poem that responds to the question 'What does inclusion look like in Cessnock City?', with a $100 voucher for art or music supplies up for grabs. Entries for the creative competition should be sent to diap@cessnock.nsw.gov.au.
Feedback can also be submitted via an online survey and discussion forum and an interactive mapping tool, all on council's website at cessnock.nsw.gov.au/HaveYourSay.
All feedback must be received by Wednesday, September 30.