Hawkesbury City Council continues to improve and strengthen the accessibility and inclusivity of our City for all residents and visitors.
Since the adoption of the 2023-2026 Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP), a key objective for Council has been to ensure access and inclusion are at the forefront of projects, events, planning and the services Council provide for the community.
Council engaged a Disability Inclusion Action Plan Working Group in mid-2023 to inform the design, development, and implementation of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan. The working group comprises of representatives from the local community including those with lived experience of disability, carers, local service providers, and Council staff.
Since the development of the working group and the adoption of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, Council has delivered many initiatives that support a more inclusive and accessible community for all.
Project highlights include;
- Accessibility upgrades to Church Street Reserve Playground, South Windsor including improved pathways and connections, improved park furniture with wheelchair accessible picnic settings, accessible water bubblers, accessible play equipment and new shade sails
- Commencing improvements to the accessibility of Council's website
- New and accessible amenities and facility upgrade at Brinsley Park, Pitt Town
- Re-establishing Council's Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee
- New amenities upgrade at Deerubbin Park, Windsor including accessible bathrooms, change rooms and car parking
- Holding Autism Safety Awareness training for community and emergency services in collaboration with Autism Step Australia
- Renewal works at Argyle Bailey Reserve, Ebenezer including new walking paths, accessible picnic areas, accessible public toilets and upgraded car parking infrastructure
- Installation of tactile markers on the crossings on Windsor Street, Richmond, George Street, South Windsor and Windsor Town Centre.
- New accessible amenities at Breakaway Oval, Freemans Reach
To view all actions delivered as part of the 2023-2026 Disability Inclusion Action Plan visit https://www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/for-residents/community/community-plans
In the event space, Hawkesbury City Council's Events team has undertaken extensive training to improve accessibility at all Council events. These improvements include;
- Social Stories – Social Stories explain, through text, symbols and images, what to expect at the event. These are available at the event and on Council's website to download prior.
- Communication Boards – For those who need assistance with communicating, Communication Boards assist people in finding their way through the event using common symbols and reduced text. These are found at the Council tent at events.
- Quiet Spaces – Can be found at Council events to allow people time away from the noise and crowds to reduce stimulation. The Quiet Spaces include calming toys, noise cancelling headphones, colouring-in and the event Social Story
- Sensory Friendly Hours – Where possible, Council events now offer time at the start of each event where there is less noise, less crowds and more space to explore the event.
- Wheelchair accessible shuttle buses – Run on a regular loop between designated pick-up points in the Hawkesbury, directly to the event for its duration.
- Becoming members of the Hidden Disability Sunflower Program - Our event staff keep an eye out for people wearing Hidden Disability Sunflower lanyards which are a simple tool for people to share that they have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent. Wearers may need a helping hand, help understanding or more time in shops and public spaces.
- Beginner Auslan Training – Our Events and Communications teams have learnt Auslan basics to assist Deaf and hearing-impaired people who attend our events.
- Accessible Seating Areas
- Accessible Toilets and Changerooms
- Accessible Parking
Hawkesbury City Council recognises and understands that access and inclusion are fundamental to building a safe, connected and cohesive Hawkesbury. We want to ensure that every person who lives or visits the Hawkesbury has every opportunity to connect, participate and enjoy the community, social and business life of the region.
For the future, Hawkesbury City Council is currently working to finalise its 2027-2030 Disability Inclusion Action Plan.
Since April 2026, Council's Community Planning and Partnerships Team has been touring the Hawkesbury, connecting with community and attending a series of community events to gain valuable information and insights for inclusion in the new Disability Inclusion Action Plan. A survey was also available on Council's Your Hawkesbury, Your Say page to allow everyone who lives and visits the Hawkesbury opportunity to contribute their input.
The new Disability Inclusion Action Plan will provide Council with a clear roadmap for further improving inclusion and access in the Hawkesbury by identifying practical steps to be delivered over its implementation period.
Developed in collaboration with Council's Disability Inclusion Action Plan Working Group, the plan will further build upon the following key areas:
- Improving community attitudes and behaviors toward those with disability
- Improving systems and processes to be more accessible and inclusive
- Increasing employment opportunities and improving support for those with disability seeking and engaging in employment
- Building more liveable communities
There is still considerable work to be done to make the Hawkesbury a more accessible community. Through the implementation of its Disability Inclusion Action Plans, Council commits to continually improving inclusion and accessibility for all people in the Hawkesbury.
