The City of Cockburn is proud to be recognised as WA’s Most Accessible Community, announced this afternoon at the opening of the 2018 WA Local Government Convention.
The City took out the overall award after also being named winner of the Metropolitan Council category of the inaugural Most Accessible Community in Western Australia Awards.
The City overwhelmingly demonstrated inclusivity across the four areas of Infrastructure; Information, Communication and Technology; Services and Events; and Leadership.
Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett said the City was committed to creating an accessible, inclusive community for everyone, as outlined in its Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2017-22, the first iteration of which was adopted by Council in 2007.
“The City prides itself on being a leader among local government authorities in Perth as it strives to enhance access and inclusion for all community members,” Mayor Howlett said.
“Current Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show that disability impacts up to one third of Cockburn’s population, including people with disability and their carers.
“But our diverse City is also home to a population where nearly eight per cent are aged 70 and over, 34 per cent born overseas and 21 per cent speak a language other than English at home.
“Our environment plays a big part in whether a community is a welcoming one or can provide an improved quality of life for people of all ages and abilities, and that includes physical, digital and social environments.”
Some of the City’s access and inclusivity achievements include:
- A full-time, dedicated Disability Access and Inclusion Officer role was established at the City more than a decade ago
- A Disability Reference Group gives feedback and advice to the City on projects, initiatives and services, and consults during development planning
- The first local government known to have achieved Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Level AA compliance on its public websites for the City of Cockburn and Cockburn ARC
- Auslan interpreting and Audio Description at some community events
- Inclusive services for children and parents, youth and seniors
- Cockburn Care (aged care and disability support services)
- Access considerations during upgrades at beaches, playgrounds and other council facilities
- Accessible beach matting to the water’s edge at Ngarkal Beach, Port Coogee
- Inclusive play equipment at Bibra Lake Regional Playground (BLRP), Botany Park and Manning Park
- Installation of a Changing Place Facility at BLRP
- Multiple accessibility design features at Cockburn ARC
- Companion Card-affiliated services at the Seniors Centre, Youth Services and Cockburn ARC, allowing carers of people with disability free entry
- Pathway, signage and building access upgrades in response to community feedback
- Local government awards recognising inclusive employment and procurement practices.
Read the City of Cockburn's
Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2017-22.