Wellington Shire Council's vision is for happy people, healthy environment and thriving communities.
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Disability and Access
We are committed to building a connected, inclusive and accessible community where everyone feels included and supported.
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Wellington Disability Advisory Committee
What is the WDAC?
The Wellington Disability Advisory Committee plays an important role in helping Council create a more inclusive and accessible future for our community by contributing practical advice and lived experience into planning, services and projects. The Wellington Disability Advisory Committee is formed by Council as an unincorporated advisory group operating under these Terms of Reference.
What do they do?
The Wellington Disability Advisory Committee (WDAC) provides advice to Wellington Shire Council on matters relating to disability, access and inclusion. The committee helps ensure the perspectives and lived experience of people with disability, carers and advocates are considered in Council planning, services and decision-making.
WDAC contributes to the development, review and monitoring of Council’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan, providing feedback on priorities, actions and progress. The committee may also be asked to provide advice on specific projects, policies or initiatives to help identify barriers and opportunities to improve accessibility and inclusion.
From time to time, WDAC members may participate in accessibility reviews of Council buildings, facilities and public spaces, or provide input into project working groups and steering committees. This helps ensure access and inclusion are considered early in the planning process.
WDAC also plays a role in strengthening connections between Council and the community by sharing local knowledge, raising emerging issues, and helping Council better understand the experiences of people with disability across the Shire.
How often do they meet?
The committee meets four times a year and operates in an advisory capacity. While it does not make decisions on behalf of Council, its advice helps inform Council’s work and supports continuous improvement in access and inclusion.
Who is involved?
The Wellington Disability Advisory Committee is made up of community members with a diverse range of lived experience, professional expertise and advocacy backgrounds. Members include people living with disability, carers, advocates, and representatives with experience in disability support, health, education and community services.
- Ron D'Arcy
- Rosalie O’Neil
- Sally Glass
- Michael Kenny
- Jean Kemp
- Christina Sheers
- Chantelle Gotts
- Shaun Craddock
- Kade Britton
- Rachel Smith (& Hollie the dog guide).
Disability Inclusion Access Plan
What is the DIAP
The Disability Inclusion Access Plan (DIAP) is Wellington Shire Council’s strategic roadmap to improve access, inclusion and participation for people with disability across our community. It sets out the actions Council will take to remove barriers to services, facilities and decision-making, and to ensure that people of all abilities can participate fully in community life. The plan was developed in consultation with community members, advocates and stakeholders to reflect lived experience and local priorities.
Our Focus Areas
The Disability Inclusion and Access Plan (DIAP) sets out the practical steps Wellington Shire Council will take over the next four years to promote access, inclusion and equity for people with disability. The actions in the DIAP are aligned with the priority areas and strategies of Council’s Live Well In Wellington (LWIW) Plan, supporting a whole-of-Council approach and helping to maximise collective impact.
Priority 1: Safe and Respectful
This priority focuses on creating safe, respectful and inclusive environments for everyone. Through the DIAP, Council works to reduce barriers and inequalities that contribute to harm, promote gender equality, and support inclusive approaches to preventing violence and reducing harm related to alcohol, other drugs, tobacco and vaping. These actions recognise the increased vulnerability people with disability may experience and aim to strengthen safety and respect across the community.
Priority 2: Mental Health and Wellbeing
This priority supports the mental health and wellbeing of people with disability by strengthening connections to culture, Country and community. DIAP actions under this area aim to celebrate diversity, promote inclusion of all communities, build understanding of mental health, and reduce social isolation by improving opportunities for participation and connection.
Priority 3: Healthy and Active
This priority focuses on improving access to healthy, active lifestyles for people of all abilities. Actions under this area support the creation and improvement of social and physical environments that enable inclusive healthy eating and active living, including accessible facilities, programs and public spaces that encourage participation for everyone.
Action Plan Progress
A space for us to update on the DIAP Actions progress and highlights.
Download the Full Disability Inclusion Access Plan
Further information about the Disability Inclusion and Access Plan, including detailed actions and implementation timeframes, is available in the full DIAP.
Services and Facilities
Accessible Support services
Council supports access to a range of disability support services in Wellington Shire. These include a range of community supports that help people live well, participate in community life, and connect with the services they need:
Accessibility Icons project
To make exploring Wellington Shire easier for everyone, we have been working on a project that includes a set of accessibility icons for events, services, and facilities. Each icon shows the types of supports or features available, helping visitors quickly see what accessibility options are provided.
These icons cover everything from wheelchair access and guide dog support to Auslan interpretation, quiet spaces, and more, so people can plan their visit with confidence. This will be incorporated into our Middle of Everywhere website,and we are working on auditing all options in 2026.
Low Cost and No Cost Guide
Discover affordable or free programs, activities, and services to support wellbeing and community participation.
Looking for affordable things to do or services that can help you stay healthy and connected? Our Low Cost and No Cost category on the Middle of Everywhere website highlights free and low-cost activities, programs, and support services available across Wellington Shire.
From community events and local groups to wellbeing programs and family activities, there are plenty of ways to get involved without spending a lot. The website also includes helpful services that support people through different stages of life.
Whether you want to try something new, meet people in your community, or find support when you need it, the Middle of Everywhere can help you discover what’s available locally.
Explore the guide to find affordable ways to stay active, connected, and supported in Wellington.
Public buildings and their accessibility
The attached table shows community facilities (Halls and Recreation Reserves) in Wellington Shire that are completely community ran by a Committee of Management, and have been audited for physical accessibility, including the presence of ramps, accessible toilets, and other features. It includes facilities owned by Council as well as those managed by DEECA, and we hope it will make choosing a facility for your event fair easier.
Get in Touch
We welcome feedback and ideas from people with disability, carers and advocates.
Phone: 1300 366 244
Email: disability@wellington.vic.gov.au
Online: Please have your say in any engagement projects via the Your Wellington Your Say Platform.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For additional information check out our FAQs!
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