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 is seeking community feedback to support development of the third iteration of our Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2026-2030. In line with legislation, the NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014 requires all Councils in NSW to prepare a new Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) every four years.
The renewed plan will outline key actions to be delivered by Council in our continued commitment to support inclusive participation across our community.
We are inviting people living with a disability and their family, friends, carers, support services and advocacy groups, to inform the development of our new Plan. To find out more information about our DIAP consultation, head to the Lismore Your Say Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026-2030 webpage.
Your participation in this consultation is crucial to supporting the development of this plan.
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.
How can I have my say on the DIAP?
Council is seeking feedback from the wider community, to support development of the Plan. There are different channels for engagement, including a survey (online, printed and verbal), community workshops and other upcoming engagement activities that will be developed with stakeholders to support inclusion.
How long is the consultation open for?
The consultation period will commence in October and will extend until late November 2025.
Lismore City Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026-2030 will be 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.