Have your say on disability services in Wattle Range

Wattle Range Council is inviting people interested in guiding Council’s future plans to improve disability access and inclusion to a community forum in Millicent this week.

The aim of the forum, which is anticipated to be the first of a series of meetings, is to review Council’s current Disability Access and Inclusion Plan and guide further development of the 2024-2028 Plan.

Under the Disability Inclusion Act 2018, all state authorities are required to create and implement their own Disability Access and Inclusion Plans (DAIPs) reporting on them annually and reviewing them every four years.

The Wattle Range Council Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2019-2023 and its associated actions were adopted by Council at its meeting held on August 11, 2020.

“It is now time to review council’s achievements over the past three years and where necessary refine, remove, or replace actions ensuring they meet the needs of people living with disability,” Wattle Range Council’s Director Development Services Emma Clay said.

“The actions will also need to be realigned with Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031 and Inclusive SA Disability Inclusion Plan."

The meeting will be held in the Millicent Civic and Arts Centre Function Room, Ridge Terrace, Millicent on Wednesday, February 8, from 2pm to 4.30pm.

Wattle Range Council Mayor Des Noll encouraged members of the community living with disability, their carers, family, and friends to attend the forum: .

“Input from people with lived experience is vital in planning future projects, programs and events that are truly inclusive and meet the needs of all residents and visitors including people with disability,” Mr Noll said.

To attend the forum you can register online at www. eventbrite.com.au/e/disability-access-and-inclusioncommunity-forum-tickets-518264371687.

Afternoon tea will be provided, and council is offering a $30 gift card to attendees for their input.

Community members needing assistance to register, or with any dietary or access requirements, can contact council’s executive support officer - Development Services, Margo Phillips on (08)8733 0900 or via email to council@wattlerange.sa.gov.au