Junee ShireA place for everyone, a community for everyone

D SABI L I TY INCLUS ION

ACT ION PLAN2017-202 1

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CONTENTS

1. Message from the Mayor page 2

2. Background page 3

3. Legislation and Policy page 4

4. Junee Shire Disability Snapshot page 8

5. Disability Inclusion Action Plan – Four Focus Areas page 9

6. How the Community Were Consulted page 11

7. Action Plan page 17

8. Monitoring and Evaluation page 22

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MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

Junee Shire is a great place to live, work and raise a family but

we, the Council, and the community can always do more by working together to make Junee a better place; a

place for everyone and a community for everyone. Along with my fellow Councillors and the staff at Junee Shire Council, I am very

proud to present the Junee Shire Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017-2021.

This Plan is an important component in making Junee Shire a better place for people with a disability to live. It has some practical actions to work towards

making our buildings, events and services more accessible, it takes steps towards providing more information about how we can support people with a disability

to gain meaningful employment and to join in with the rest of the community.

There is some hard work ahead of us, but I hope that we can all work together to make a better future for everyone in the Junee Shire.

Councillor Neil SmithMayor

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BACKGROUND

In August 2014 the NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014 was passed. The Act defines disability as:

“The long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment which in interaction with various barriers may hinder the full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.”

“This definition reinforces the importance of the social model of disability which focuses on the interaction between people living with a range of impairments and their physical and social environment. Disability is not just about the individual or their impairment. The onus to break down barriers rests with the whole community.

Under the Disability Inclusion Regulation 2014, Councils must prepare a Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) by 1 July 2017. This plan can be addressed through the Local Government integrated planning process. This timing is designed to fit the current Community Strategic Planning and Delivery Program cycle. Disability inclusion action planning plays a critical role in identifying and delivering on practical measures to transform intent into action by Local Government.”

- (NSW Disability Inclusion Action Planning Guidelines – Local Government, NSW Government).

Junee Shire is a growing community incorporating the main township of Junee, the smaller villages and many farming communities. The Junee Shire Disability Inclusion Action Plan, including Council’s vision, is for an inclusive, respectful and diverse community where all residents and visitors enjoy a safe and friendly environment.

Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan will aim to provide better access to Council information, services and facilities ensuring people with disabilities can fully participate in their community.

Significant information and feedback had been gathered to feed into the DIAP through Junee Shire’s Community Strategic Plan consultation process held in November and December 2016. This included a series of theme focussed workshops (including a DIAP specific workshop), town/village based community consultation sessions and some “pop-up consultation” opportunities for the general community. Valuable first-hand information was also gathered through the DIAP Survey.

The draft plan was endorsed at Council’s April 2017 meeting and placed on public exhibition.

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LEGISLATION & POLICY

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INTERNATIONALUnited Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)

The UNCRPD, ratified by Australia in 2008, acknowledges that people with disability have the same human rights as those without disability. This commits participating governments to ensure these rights can be exercised and that barriers are removed. The UNCPRD supports the social model of disability. This recognises that attitudes, practices and structures are disabling and can create barriers to people with disability from enjoying economic participation, social inclusion and equality which are not an inevitable outcome of their disability.

(NSW Disability Inclusion Action Planning Guidelines – Local Government, NSW Government).

NATIONALNational Disability Strategy 2010-2020 (NDS)

The NDS, developed in partnership by the Commonwealth, State, Territory and Local Governments, sets out a national plan for improving life for Australians with disability, their families and carers, to support the commitment made to the UNCRPD.

The NDS NSW Implementation Plan 2012-2014 was the NSW Government’s initial two-year strategy to promote the principles of the NDS.

Actions in the Implementation Plan that involve councils include:

• Implementing Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 Level AA• Implementing local strategic plans and delivery programs• Integrating NSW guidelines on universal design principles and Disability - (Access to Premises - Buildings) Standards 2010• Improving the availability of accessible toilets• Supporting access to sports and recreation facilities• Identifying measures to encourage people with disability to stand for election to Local Government• Increasing internal workforce diversity.

The majority of these actions have now been aligned with the aims and objectives of the NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014 and NSW Disability Inclusion Plan. (NSW Disability Inclusion Action Planning Guidelines – Local Government, NSW Government).

National Disability Insurance Scheme

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a major reform that will deliver a national system of disability support focused on the individual needs and choices of people with disability. The NDIS gives participants more choice and control over how, when and where supports are provided. Funding is allocated to each eligible individual, rather than block funding being allocated to service providers. The NDIS will roll out across the whole of NSW by 2018.

The role of councils in the NDIS will vary depending on their community, their relationship with local disability interests, and role within disability service provision. While the NDIS presents a new method of funding services required by people with disability, the role of Local Government in delivering inclusion is much broader than simply service provision. Disability inclusion action planning is complementary to the NDIS, and will assist councils in breaking down local barriers to full participation by people with disability in the community.

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STATEDisability Inclusion Act 2014 (NSW)

The Disability Inclusion Act (2014) acknowledges human rights; promoting the independence and social and economic inclusion of people with disability. The Act requires NSW government departments, local councils and some other public authorities to develop and implement their own DIAP. The plan must be consistent with the NSW Disability Inclusion Plan and include strategies to increase access and participation.

LOCAL

One of Junee Shire Council’s key documents that provide a vision for the future is the Community Strategic Plan. Junee Shire’s Plan “making tracks” states:

“This Community Strategic Plan describes where we, as a whole community working together, need to focus our energy to realise the vision and to take Junee Shire forward into the future. The plan is the community’s plan. It has been developed with the community’s input and identifies the roles that the community and Council will play to achieve the desired outcomes. The plan has four focus themes (Objectives) to capture the community’s desire to be liveable, prosperous, sustainable and collaborative.”

Objective 1: To be healthy and active

1.1 Have in place the right health services 1.2 Encourage and enable healthy and inclusive lifestyle choices 1.3 Provide the right places, spaces and activities

Objective 2: To be a great place to live

2.1 Enable viable localities and villages 2.2 Build on our heritage, creativity and cultural expression 2.3 Cater for our ageing population 2.4 Create opportunities for and value people with disability 2.5 Support and create opportunities for our youth

Objective 3 – To grow our local economy

3.1 Plan for, develop and maintain the right assets and infrastructure3.2 Support our business sector3.3 Grow our tourism sector3.4 Promote our community as a place to visit and stay for longer3.5 Plan our land resources for the future3.6 Grow our population throughout our Shire

Objective 4 – To be a resilient community able to adapt for the future

4.1 Build the capacity and skills of our community and workforce to meet, innovate and lead change4.2 Prepare and transition to the economy of the future

Other legislation and standards informing Council’s work includes:

• Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992• Commonwealth Disability (Access to Premises Buildings) Standards 2010• NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977• Carers Recognition Act 2012• Local Government Act 1993• Local Government (General) Regulation 2005

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Recreation Centre: Wheelchair access to water and automated doors

Recreation Centre: Access to classes and recharge point for mobility scooters

Athenium: Mobility access ramp

Junee Shire Council has been working on improving access to services and facilities in the Shire, particularly in the last five years. Some of the more recent achievements include:

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JUNEE SHIRE DISABILITY SNAPSHOT

Nationally in Australia (based on Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census data) in 2015:

• Almost one in five Australians reported living with disability (18.3% or 4.3 million people).

• The majority (78.5%) of people with disability reported a physical condition, such as back problems, as their main long–term health condition. The other 21.5% reported mental and behavioural disorders.

• More than half of those with disability aged 15 to 64 years participated in the labour force (53.4%), which is considerably fewer than those without disability (83.2%).

In Junee Shire (based on ABS Census data from the 2011 census) the following information was available about people who identify as needing help with mobility, self-care or communication due to disability or long-term health conditions:

• 5.1% of the population, or 295 people living in Junee Shire were receiving the Disability Support Pension (the Disability Support Pension is provided to people who have a physical, intellectual or psychiatric condition that stops them from working or people who are permanently blind).

• 4.5% of the 2011 population, or 256 people in Junee Shire, identified as needing assistance because of a profound or severe disability: - Of these, 144 were aged under 65 (that equates to 2.9% of that age group) - 112 were aged 65 and over (which equates to 13.8% of that age group)

• In 2011 there were 516 carers (aged 15 years and over) providing assistance to persons with disability in Junee. This equates to 10.9% of the population aged 15 years and over.

• Based on national trend data/modelling and taking into account that not everyone identifies themselves as having a disability, the ABS have estimated that 763 or 13.2% of the population in the Junee Shire have “profound/severe/moderate/mild core activity restriction”.

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DISABILITY INCLUSION ACTION PLAN4 FOCUS AREAS

The NSW Disability Inclusion Plan provides a strategy to implement the Disability Inclusion Act and address the National Disability Strategy 2010-2020 principles across government and the community.

It sets out:

1. The whole of government goals that support the inclusion of people with disability in the community and improve access to services and community facilities by people with disability; and

2. Provides for collaboration and co-ordination among public authorities, including Local Government, in the provision of supports and services.

The NSW Disability Inclusion Plan identifies four key focus areas, nominated by people with disability, as being of primary importance in creating an inclusive community.

These are:

- Developing positive community attitudes and behaviours

- Creating liveable communities

- Supporting access to meaningful employment

- Improving access to services through better systems and processes.

Each focus area is summarised below.

Attitudes and Behaviour The attitudes and behaviours of the general community towards people with disability have been described as the single greatest barrier to full access and inclusion. Consultation to date has identified that attitudes towards people with disability are often determined by ignorance, fear, or lack of opportunity to interact. It is important that council staff and councillors display a positive attitude to people with disability and focus on measures to support positive and inclusive attitudes and behaviours across the community.

Liveable Communities Liveable communities are important for all people in the community and are achieved by applying the principles of universal design. Attention and resources should be focussed on the elements of community life that are of highest importance to people with disability. Creating liveable communities is more than modifying the physical environment; it covers areas such as universal housing design, access to transport, community recreation, council policies and social engagement.

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Employment Employment and economic security for most people are closely related. Employment contributes to independence and feelings of self-worth, social interaction and good mental health, and increases opportunities to support individual choice and control. Employment rates for people with disability are significantly lower than those without disability across all sectors. People with disability experience multiple barriers at all stages of the employment process, ranging from inaccessible interview venues, lack of reasonable adjustments to the work environment, poor career planning opportunities, rigid role descriptions and online testing that may place applicants at a disadvantage. These factors reduce their opportunities to gain and retain or improve employment. Organisational commitment to workforce diversity and inclusion is also closely linked to strong business performance.

Systems and Processes A common issue for people with disability is the difficulty in navigating systems and processes to access the services and support they need in the community. Some of these difficulties stem from the quality of service and training of front line personnel, the systems and processes required to access services, and the lack of accessible options for communicating, accessing information or providing input or feedback. There can be confusion and significant differences in which services are provided by different Councils across NSW. In the area of social services different Councils are involved in different ways. As a generalisation, local government areas with bigger population bases (eg. City and regional centre Councils), tend to provide more direct delivery of social services than the smaller rural Councils.

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HOW THE COMMUNITY WERE CONSULTED

a. Audiences/organisations involved in the consultation

Council staff engaged in an extensive consultation process with its communities throughout November. This involved a series of public forums/workshops, “pop-up” engagements and workshops with specific groups, including the disability sector. A Leadership Forum at the end of November collated the information gathered to date and was the basis behind the first draft of the Community Strategic Plan and the first draft of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan.

A DIAP Survey was conducted in March and additional “pop-up” consultations occurred in the first week of April 2017.

b. The methods utilised in the consultation process

The utilisation of a mixture of consultation methods and audiences was aimed at achieving engagement with a wide cross section of the community (including the business community, groups, agencies and special interest groups). Having a mixture of different methods, times, days and locations gave the Junee Shire community opportunities to participate in the engagement process for the Community Strategic Plan and the Disability Inclusion Access Plan.

The DIAP survey was made available through Council’s website, through Facebook connections, through local disability service providers, with hard and soft copies also available to the broader community in locations such as the Council Offices, the local Recreation & Aquatic Centre and the Library.

c. Description of the timeline, from start to finish

The following is a brief summary of the consultations for the development of the Junee Shire DIAP:

Nov – Dec 2016 Public consultations through public forums/workshops, “pop-up” engagements and workshops with specific groupsMarch 2017 DIAP Survey conductedApril 2017 Additional “pop-up” consultationsApril 2017 Draft presented to CouncilApril/May 2017 Public exhibition of the Draft DIAPJune 2017 Adoption of Final Draft DIAP

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(in the development of the DIAP)

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The following diagram shows the first series of public consultations:

The DIAP Survey was integral to some of the Actions developed in the Plan.

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d. How did the consultation influence the content and structure of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan

The consultations had a major effect on the development of the draft Junee Shire DIAP. Feedback, information, ideas and thoughts from people working in the disability sector and from local Junee people with disability helped shape “What Council Will Do” detailed in the Action Plan.

Specifically, some of the common views, ideas and suggestions under the Four DIAP themes were:

Developing positive community attitudes and behaviours• More education and information about disability needed in the broader community• Publically promote positive messages• Less focus on $’s and more on things that don’t cost eg conversation, partnerships• Disability forum/information sessions

Creating liveable communities• DIAP needs to be realistically achievable• Needs to be a Committee/group to drive the Plan and share information• Stronger partnerships• Accessible buildings and events• More information about disability (and the NDIS) on website• Assisted/supported accommodation for people with disability

Supporting access to meaningful employment • Educate employers on the value of employing people with disability• Provide more opportunities for meaningful employment for people with disability• Productive partnership with specialised employment agencies

Improving access to services through better systems and processes• Access and Inclusion Committee• ‘Real’ engagement with people with disability• More information about what the NDIS means

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• Respondents saw the importance of an Advisory Committee dealing specifically with disability issues

Some of the key messages from the survey included:

e. Some statistics from the DIAP Survey

The Junee Shire DIAP Survey closed on 24 March 2017 with 35 surveys submitted. The majority of respondents were from Junee with 70% indicating a physical disability.

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• Community Buildings (Library, Rec Centre, Athenium, Museum, Council) were rated as “Good” to “Very Good”

• Respondents also rated the “accessibility” of businesses/shops in the Shire as “Average” to “Good”

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Respondents were asked to give some good examples of accessibility in the Shire and also to identify issues or problems. The following summarises the key points:

“Good” Examples IssuesAccess to Ex-Services Club Library door difficultIGA Supermarket Footpaths in older sections of JuneeMedical Centre Ramps into gutters not goodRecreation Centre Street crossings too steepAthenium More footpaths to help elderly, parents with Council Offices pramsBurns Park Facilities

f. Plans for ongoing consultation

Outcomes and achievements will be reported in Council’s Annual Report and through communica-tion channels to the community such as the Community Newsletter. These reports will be made available on Council’s Website and at the Council Offices in Junee.

The proposed “Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee” will be a conduit for information in and information out to the community and the Council. An annual DIAP survey will assist in keeping the focus on priorities.

• Streets and Footpaths were rated as “Good to Average”

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ACTION PLAN

1- ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOURSupport positive and inclusive attitudes and behaviours across the community What Council will do:

1.1. Raise awareness about the contribution people with disability make to the Junee Shire community: 1.1.1. Audit Council websites to ensure that images include people with disabilities and that language is appropriate. 1.1.2. Include images of people with disabilities in Council documents. 1.1.3. Utilise International Day of People with Disabilities to promote inclusion to the general community.

1.2. Increase participation at Council events and activities held in the Junee Shire: 1.2.1. Ensure staff planning for events held by Council have the training to make those events inclusive and accessible. 1.2.2. Include information about access in event promotional material.

1.3. Increase participation at other events and activities held in the Junee Shire: 1.3.1. Work with other event organisers to increase accessibility at local events.

How We Will Measure Our Progress

INDICATOR HOW IT WILL BE MEASUREDNumber of images on Council websites that include people with disability

Council data

Number of images in Council documents that include people with disability

Council data

Attendance at International Day of People with Disabilities events

Event statistics

% of Council staff that have participated in access training Council dataNumber of people with disability who have participated in and are satisfied with Council events

Annual DIAP survey

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2.2 Create safe and accessible community buildings: 2.2.1 Undertake an access assessment of community buildings including the Junee Library, Junee Athenium, Broadway Museum, Council Offices and the Junee Junction Recreation & Aquatic Centre 2.2.2 Seek feedback from the disability community on shops/buildings in the Shire which require improved access and engage with the building owners to look into options

2.3 Create safe and accessible parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities: 2.3.1 Include accessible play elements when renewing and installing playgrounds 2.3.2 Ensure parking and seating is appropriate for people with disability at parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities

2.4 Increase access to social, recreational, youth and cultural services: 2.4.1 Encourage and support inclusion in all activities at the Library 2.4.2 Promote the availability of Community Transport to eligible people 2.4.3 Provide information about social support services available in Junee 2.4.4 Partner with schools and sporting clubs to investigate options for sporting programs for people with disability eg Football 4 All, wheelchair basketball

2.5 Investigate supported housing options in the Junee Shire for people with disability: 2.5.1 Work with service providers/department of housing to understand the housing needs of people with disability

How we will measure our progress

ACTION PLAN CONTINUED

2 – LIVEABLE COMMUNITIESJunee Shire.... a place for everyone.... a community for everyone

What Council will do:

2.1 Create safe and accessible public facilities and infrastructure: 2.1.1 Assess our public toilets to ensure they are accessible 2.1.2 Assess the number and location of accessible parking spaces 2.1.3 Improve and expand the continuous accessible paths of travel including parking, footpaths and cycle paths to key destinations such as schools, recreation facilities, community buildings and shops and businesses

2.2 Create safe and accessible community buildings: 2.2.1 Undertake an access assessment of community buildings including the Junee library, Junee Athenium, Broadway Museum, Council Offices and the Junee Junction Recreation & Aquatic Centre 2.2.2 Seek feedback from the disability community on shops/buildings in the Shire which require improved access and engage with the building owners to look into options

2.3 Create safe and accessible parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities: 2.3.1 Include accessible play elements when renewing and installing playgrounds 2.3.2 Ensure parking and seating is appropriate for people with disability at parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities

2.4 Increase access to social, recreational, youth and cultural services: 2.4.1 Encourage and support inclusion in all activities at the Library 2.4.2 Promote the availability of Community Transport to eligible people 2.4.3 Provide information about social support services available in Junee 2.4.4 Partner with schools and sporting clubs to investigate options for sporting programs for people with disability eg Football 4 All, wheelchair basketball

2.5 Investigate supported housing options in the Junee Shire for people with disability: 2.5.1 Work with service providers/department of housing to understand the housing needs of people with disability

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ACTION PLAN CONTINUED

INDICATOR HOW IT WILL BE MEASURED% of people with disability who are satisfied with Council’s accessible public toilets

Annual DIAP survey

Number of accessible parking spaces inkey destinations

Council data

% of people with disability who are satisfied with footpaths and paths of travel

Annual DIAP survey

% of people with disability who expresssatisfaction with the accessibility of Council public spaces

Annual DIAP survey

% of people with disability who aresatisfied with recreation services,community facilities/halls and libraries

Annual DIAP survey

Accessibility of recreation services,community facilities and libraries

Annual DIAP survey, Council data

% of people with disability who feel they have the opportunity to participate and are satisfied with Council’s library activities

Annual DIAP survey

2 – LIVEABLE COMMUNITIES (continued)Junee Shire.... a place for everyone.... a community for everyone

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ACTION PLAN CONTINUED

3 – EMPLOYMENTSupport Access to Meaningful Employment

What Council will do:

3.1 Increase employment and participation opportunities: 3.1.1 Make sure Council’s recruitment process meets access standards and gives people with disability the opportunity to show their ability to do the job. 3.1.2 Provide information on Council websites and social media platforms about employment opportunities.

3.2 Increase awareness about working with people with disability: 3.2.1 Provide access and inclusion training for all new staff. 3.2.2 Provide training for staff who work with the community to increase their awareness of inclusive service provision.

3.3 Explore volunteering opportunities for people with disability: 3.3.1 Actively look into ways we can support volunteering options for people with disability to connect with local clubs, groups and businesses.

How we will measure our progress

INDICATOR HOW IT WILL BE MEASURED% of people employed at Council with disability (fulltime/part time/casual)

Council data

% of Council staff trained in access and inclusion Council data% of people with disability engaged in volunteering Council data

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How We Will Measure Our Progress

INDICATOR HOW IT WILL BE MEASURED% of people with disability who are satisfied with information and access to Council information

Annual DIAP survey

Number of campaigns to raise awareness of the positive contribution people with disability make to the community

Council data

% of Council publications that are accessible, include images of people with disability and include information about access

Analysis sample of Council publications

% of people with disability who have participated in a community consultation activity.

Annual DIAP survey

Number of “Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee” meetings held

Council data

4 – SERVICE SYSTEMS AND PROCESSESImprove Access to Council’s Systems and Processes

What Council will do:

4.1 Increase access to information: 4.1.1 Make Council documents and publications accessible for everyone. 4.1.2 Monitor and update Councils websites and social media platforms to meet access standards. 4.1.3 Promote access upgrades to services and facilities in Council newsletters and electronic media. 4.1.4 Provide specific information on disability services in Junee, particularly information about the NDIS.

4.2 Improve our systems and processes to deliver better access outcomes: 4.2.1 Activate an “Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee” that is a conduit for receiving information and advising Council on accessibility issues.

4.3 Consult with people with disability regarding their needs (listen to people with disability): 4.3.1 Review Council’s community consultation procedures to include a checklist on inclusive consultation. 4.3.2 Review Council’s complaints and feedback system to ensure it is accessible to people with disability. 4.3.3 Conduct an annual DIAP survey to gather feedback and comments.

ACTION PLAN CONTINUED

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MONITORING

The Disability Inclusion Action Plan includes a table for each focus area with “Indicators” and “How it will be Measured” to guide the completion of the actions. The process will be monitored and evaluated through the Integrated Planning and Reporting cycle. Implementation of the Action Plan will be the joint responsibility of Council, the Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee and the broader community.

The Director of Business and Community will monitor the overall implementation of the Plan and the integration of its actions into Council’s new Delivery Program and annual Operational Plan.

MONITORING & EVALUATION

EVALUATION AND REPORTING

Section 12 of the NSW Disability Inclusion Act mandates that disability inclusion actions must be readily available to the public.

Outcomes and achievements will be reported in Council’s Annual Report and through communication channels to the community such as the Community Newsletter. These reports will be made available on Council’s Website and at the Council Offices in Junee. The Junee Shire DIAP will also be available through these Council outlets.

Section 12 of the NSW Disability Inclusion Act mandates that councils must give a copy of their disability inclusion actions to the Disability Council NSW.

A copy of the Junee Shire DIAP will be provided to the NSW Disability Council NSW.

REVIEW

The Plan will be reviewed annually in line with the Integrated Planning and Reporting cycle. This review will also incorporate consultation with the community to check that the priorities in the Plan are still the same and change them where needed.

An audit, evaluation and review of the Plan will be conducted at the end of its term.

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For more informationphone: 02 6924 8100

e-mail: customerserviceteam@junee.nsw.gov.auvisit: www.junee.nsw.gov.au

Council would like to thank everyone who played a part in developing this important Plan for the community.

D SABILITY INCLUSION

ACTION PLAN2017-202 1

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