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  Sustainable Neighbourhoods Lake Macquarie
Increasing accessibility and inclusion
Inclusion is an underpinning principle for Sustainable Neighbourhoods, and we are committed to ensuring our events and activities are accessible to the greatest possible number of people.
We are currently developing a policy and training for Sustainable Neighbourhoods to enable people with varying access needs to attend our events.
These considerations can make it easier for people to attend and enjoy our events, including for example:
  • someone with a hearing or vision impairment;
  • a wheelchair user;
  • someone with an intellectual disability;
  • someone with a stroller; or
  • an older person.

Some more information about Event Accessibility is available from the NSW Government.
Updated risk assessment form
Our risk assessment form to prompts you to consider accessibility requirements, when planning events and activities.
Download the most up to date risk assessment from from the planning page.
Some key accessibility considerations
While it may not be possible or suitable to hold all of our events in fully accessible venues, it is important to consider these aspects in your event planning, and make improvements where possible.
Venue and event features
Key access features
  • accessible parking or drop off areas
  • wide, flat pathways and entrances
  • ramps or  lifts to all areas of the building
  • accessible toilets
  • clear, visual signage
  • adequate lighting
  • clearly marked, accessible emergency exits
 
Additional access features
  • captioning or hearing loop technology
  • good acoustics that avoid background noise
  • battery recharge facilities for electric wheelchair users
  • Braille markings
  • key information provided in large print
  • drinking water for companion animals
  • designated quiet spaces
 
Consider the layout of your event
  • allow plenty of space between stalls, tables or seating
  • consider special viewing areas for those with access needs
  • avoid uneven surfaces, obstructions or mobility hazards
  • proximity of accessible toilets
 
Travel options
  • accessible drop off zone
  • accessible car parking
  • identify suitable routes from the nearest bus stop or train station
 
Activities and equipment
  • suitable audio visual equipment for presentations (eg microphone, projector)
  • sufficient volunteer numbers to welcome and assist participants
  • flexible activities to cater for varying ability levels
  • simple instructions
  • safe and simple tools
  • consider engaging a paid child care worker to offer child minding
  • affordability and concessions
Communication and promotions

Promotions
Include details of accessible features in your promotions for the event.
For many people with accessibility needs, trip planning is very important. Providing information about accessibility features of your event will make it easier for everyone to attend.
For example, The Place at Charlestown clearly spells out the facilities available at their venue, and provides detail to help people plan their visit. www.theplacecharlestown.org.au.

Another example of an accessibility statement could be:
Venue is wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking and amenities.
If you have additional access requirements to attend this event, contact ________.

Digital promotions
For digital promotions, always include a text version of your invitation, rather than only including the invitation on a PDF or image.  Many people with a vision impairment rely on screen reading or Braille software that does not interact with PDFs or images.

Contact information
Always include both a phone number and digital contact (website or email address) for more information about your event. Some people with disabilities will require one or the other of these methods.
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Sustainable Neighbourhoods Lake Macquarie
Our vision - Neighbourhoods that are empowered to live sustainably.
Our mission - Our work is to foster sustainable neighbourhoods and a healthy environment in Lake Macquarie
Our values - We are guided by our values of participation, inclusion, collaboration, empowerment and shared responsibility.
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The Lake Macquarie Sustainable Neighbourhood Alliance is registered as a not for profit incorporated association under NSW Fair Trading. Sustainable Neighbourhood activities are managed and governed by volunteers and financed through grants, collaboration and community fundraising.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters on which we live, work and play, the Awabakal People, and acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who now reside in this area. We pay our respect to Elders past and present, and future cultural knowledge holders.
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Sustainable Neighbourhoods is an initiative of Lake Macquarie City Council.
www.lakemac.com.au
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We are proud to be a Very Neighbourly Organisation and supporter of Neighbour Day.
www.neighbourday.org