Disability Inclusion Advisory Group
The Disability Inclusion Advisory Group (previously known as the Access & Inclusion Committee and the Access and Inclusion Advisory Group) provides advice on Council's Disability Inclusion Action Plan and provides input on the Lismore Community Strategic Plan with areas concerning disability and access.
The group of councillors, community members and sector stakeholders meet bi-monthly.
If you would like more information regarding the Advisory Groups, please contact the Customer Service team at Council:
ReadSpeaker and interpreter services
ReadSpeaker technology has been installed on the website to make it more accessible for people with vision impairments.
Home Library Service
The library provides acomplimentary home delivery service for individuals who face challenges visiting the library due to health concerns or mobility issues.
Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK)
Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) are special keys that use a universal lock and key to allow people with disabilities 24 hour access to public facilities (i.e. disabled toilets).
Companion Cards in Lismore
Lismore City Council supports theCompanion Card program, a not-for-profit initiative funded by the NSW Government that helps people with permanent disabilities and their carers affordably participate in community activities and access venues.
Lismore City Council has adopted its Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2026–2030, reaffirming its commitment to creating a community that is inclusive, accessible and welcoming for everyone. This is the third Disability Inclusion Action Plan developed by Council.
Under the NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014, all councils in New South Wales are required to prepare a Disability Inclusion Action Plan every four years. The DIAP 2026–2030 sets out the actions Council will undertake over the next four years to improve access, participation and inclusion for people with disability across the Lismore local government area.
The development of the Plan was informed by valuable feedback from people with disability, community members, service providers, advocacy organisations and Council staff. Council thanks everyone who shared their experiences, insights and ideas throughout the consultation process.
The Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026–2030 reflects Council’s ongoing commitment to removing barriers, promoting equity and creating opportunities for all people to participate fully in community life.
Want more information?
For more information, please view the FAQs or reach out the Council’s Contact Centre:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP)?
A Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) outlines the key strategies and actions to be delivered by Council in our continued commitment to breaking down barriers to inclusive participation and protecting the rights of people with disability in our communities.
How will the DIAP impact me?
The actions committed to in the Plan aim to improve the lives of all people in our community, especially those living with a disability or supporting a person with a disability.
Lismore City Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026-2030 has been developed in line with the NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031 and various State and Federal Disability and Discrimination Acts.
We received feedback from more than 200 people, including people with disabilities, carers, disability service providers and advocacy groups.
The feedback provided, supported the development of actions in Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026.
Key achievements
In line with the ambitions outlined in the current DIAP, Council is delighted to report on many key achievements over the past four years including:
- Lismore Regional Gallery staff undertaking regular accessibility training through Accessible Arts.
- Seeking feedback from the Disability Inclusion Advisory Group to identify key spaces for accessibility upgrades around the Lismore CBD.
- Organising major community events that were accessible to all members of the community. These events included Legends of Cricket, the Lismore Lantern Parade and the Jets versus Roar Soccer game.
- Consulting the Disability Inclusion Advisory Group before publishing the updated Lismore City Council website.
- Improving accessibility and connectivity through Heritage Park.
- Investigating opportunities for an adult changing place facility in the renovated Lismore Library.
- Updating the recruitment process to include unconscious bias training for all panel members.
- Recruiting staff for attitudes towards diversity and inclusion.
- Supporting staff with assessment and provision of accessible workplace equipment/modifications for each employee at induction.
- Providing accessible destination and tourism resources to ensure residents and visitors could easily plan region wide accessible experiences.
- Council’s Disability Inclusion Advisory Group providing feedback on the Nimbin Rainbow Walk.
- Transitioning from text-heavy signage to iconography-based signage on public facilities across the LGA.
- Lismore Regional Gallery receiving the IMAGinE Award for Innovation and Resilience 2022 for Collage Club.
- Lismore Regional Gallery receiving Highly Commended for The Future of Toys Youth Program in 2024.