Shire Awarded Most Accessible Community Award for a Fourth Consecutive Year

Community members of Augusta Margaret River continue to live in one of Western Australia’s most accessible local government areas with the Shire of Augusta Margaret River being awarded the Most Accessible Community in WA – Regional Shire/Town Category for the fourth consecutive year.

Presented by the Regional Capitals Alliance of WA the award acknowledges the Shire’s commitment to improving access and inclusion for the whole community, including people with a disability. 

The purpose of the award is to recognise councils that go above and beyond the statutory access requirements, and that are adaptive and responsive to community needs. 

The Awards were judged on the following criteria: 

1. Accessible and inclusive council services.
2. Programs and events: including, but not limited to, Local Government employment, group facilitation and sports and recreation opportunities.

Shire Coordinator of Community Planning and Development, Jason Cleary said the award was recognition of the collaboration between local community groups and the Shire.

“As a Community Development Team, we always strive to involve as many members of our community in our projects as possible. Doing so grants us the ability to really grasp what the community needs from us. This award is a recognition of the importance of these relationships. 

I’d particularly like to thank all the volunteer members of our Access and Inclusion Working Group who have played a major role in our Shire winning this award again and we are looking forward to continuing our working relationship with these community members in the years to come,” he said.

The Shire was commended on its range of inclusive programs and services, showing broad ownership and community involvement. Cross service delivery and covering all key outcome areas of an Access Inclusion Plan as well integrated into the Shire’s Strategic Community Plan. 

The Shire was also praised for the great use of LGA resources, services and program deliverables for a regional local government showcasing that multi-use and multi-disciplinary can be achieved.

Other highlights include:

• Upgrade of beach accessibility walker and wheelchair
• Increased accessible library resources
• Annual International Day of Disability Disco at Margaret River Recreation Centre
• Introduction of accessibility equipment and increase of accessibility programs at Margaret River HEART
• Flexible working arrangements for staff with disability

The Shire is committed to continuing to create and foster an inclusive and accessible community for all to live, work, play, invest and visit, whilst also recognising the importance of working in collaboration with the community to break down social barriers to inclusion and to drive sustainable change from within the community itself. 

For more information on the award or to discuss further access and inclusion strategies please contact Coordinator of Community Planning & Development Jason Cleary on 08 9780 5260 or by email at [email protected].