Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 - 2021
Wagga Wagga City Council is committed to making our community inclusive and accessible for all. Developing and implementing a Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 - 2021, we feel it is important for us to have a document that reflects what the community wants and needs in relation to all abilities. It is important to also focus on how we can continue to make Wagga Wagga a liveable city and to grow into the future.
To access Wagga Wagga City Council's Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 - 2021, it can be viewed below. If you wish to download the document, please click the following link.
Page 3 - Acknowledgement of Country
Wagga Wagga City Council would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Land - Wiradjuri country, and to pay respects to Elders past and present.
Wagga Wagga City Council has a long history and association with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities within the Local Government Area (LGA).
Council values the diversity of our local community and supports reconciliation by working consistently in partnership with its local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, always ensuring that the process is based on respect, trust and a spirit of openness.
Page 4- Table of Contents
Acknowlegement of country...........................3
Message from Mayor .......................................5
Where Disability Action Planning sits within the sustainable planning framework .........................6
Vision and Guiding Principles ............................7
Introduction...................................................8
Definitions....................................................10
Demographics of the Local Government Area (LGA)....................................................11
Understanding Legislation and Policy..........13
Developing the plan .....................................17
The path Wagga Wagga City Council took....19
Overview of Consultation.............................21
Attitudes and Behaviours ............................23
Liveability.....................................................28
Meaningful Employment ..............................36
Improve access to services through better systems and Processes ...............................41
Services in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area ........................................47
Page 5 - Message from the Mayor
Message from the Mayor, Councilor Greg Conkey (OAM)
As Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga I am pleased to be presenting the Wagga Wagga City Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan. I am personally committed to doing all I can to see our city become a place that allows all of us opportunities in our work and play, but more specifically that increases opportunities and a sense of value for people living in our community with visible or invisible disabilities.
Our Disability Inclusion Action Plan links strategically with the NSW Disability Inclusion Plan by ensuring action plans align with their four identified priority areas in addition to our Community Strategic Plan, a city wide strategy with a vision to make Wagga Wagga a thriving, innovative, connected and inclusive community.
This plan has been built on the strength of the voices in our community. People across our city shared the barriers which exist for them that decrease their ability to live a life where they feel included, considered and valued. I would like to thank our community members who worked with us to develop this plan.
This plan is the road map for the next four years, providing a level of action and accountability moving forward. It is my hope that our leadership in increasing access and strengthening a more inclusive culture will decrease the discrimination faced by people with disabilities and will be an example to lead the way for many other agencies and businesses to follow.
Page 6 - Our reporting framework
Where does the Disability Inclusion Action Plan sit within the sustainable planning framework?
The Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) provides a clear direction to ensure Wagga Wagga City Council is developing a liveable city which is thriving, connected, innovative and inclusive. The plan has been written to provide a list of actions Wagga Wagga City Council will deliver over the next four years within the Local Government Area to remove barriers to access and increase opportunities for inclusion of people with a disability.
The development of the DIAP has occurred using the principles identified in the Integrated Planning and Reporting Manual for Local Government in NSW and the priorities identified in the NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014.The DIAP has also sought to integrate with other Wagga Wagga City Council strategies to ensure the principle of inclusion is embedded in all planning frameworks.
This strategy is considered a level two document within the Integrated Planning and Reporting (IPR) Framework.
Page 7 - Vision and Guiding Principles
Vision
During the development of the Community Strategic Plan a vision for the city’s future was developed and tested within the community. This vision states:
"The community of Wagga is a thriving, innovative, connected and inclusive community on the Murrumbidgee. Rich in opportunity, choice, learning and environment. Wagga is a place where paths cross and people meet."
Guiding principles
To ensure we achieve our community’s vision in the future, we will embed the four principles across all aspects of work that we do
Thriving
The Disability Inclusion Action Plan will consider how we can promote the liveability of Wagga Wagga and increase the success of people with disabilities within our community
Innovation
The Disability Inclusion Action Plan will consider how we can all feel part of the community, build better relationships through attitudes and behaviours and improve access through place and space integration.
Connected
The Disability Inclusion Action Plan will consider how we can create efficient and effective systems and processes to better accommodate people living with disabilities and to create best practice where that is possible in our service delivery
Inclusive
The Disability Inclusion Action Plan will consider how we are inclusive in all aspects of our work from employment to design and planning.
Page 8 - Introduction
"Wagga Wagga City Council's Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 - 2021 demonstrates our ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusiveness for people living with a disability across our community"
Janice Summerhayes, Director Community.
From July 2017 all government agencies across Australia will have a Disability Inclusion Action Plan. In NSW these plans will address four key areas, 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
Wagga Wagga City Council can be a strong change agent and leader to improve the city to ensure outcomes from the four key areas. This plan is a living document that will guide us to do this based on what people living and working in the community told us were intrinsic to increasing connection and opportunity in the Wagga Wagga local government area.
We want Wagga to be a liveable community for all, one which has facilities and services which increase opportunity for all community members with a diverse range of needs, to engage with and maintain independence in everyday community life. Therefore, when referring to accessibility throughout the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017-2021, it not only relates to Council facilities and hard infrastructure, like footpaths, buildings, parks, public places and spaces. It is also relative to opportunities to be able to obtain and use information, to provide opportunity to access employment, education and social activities. To change the lens to make it habitual to consider access and inclusion in everything Wagga Wagga City Council deliver, build or do and in the way people relate to one another.
The objectives of Wagga Wagga City Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan are to:
- Improve attitudes and behaviours towards people living with a disability through increasing awareness of ability and changing language to reflect the capabilities of individuals.
- Improve the accessibility and inclusion of community members living with disability in the City of Wagga Wagga to public spaces and places through applying universal design principles and improving connectivity.
- Increase meaningful employment options for individual’s living with disability, including volunteer and work experience opportunities.
- Increase access to information regarding a range of Council services and facilities, as well as other services in the community through improved usability and availability of information.
Page 9 & 10 - Definitions
The Disability Inclusion Act (2014) defines disability as: ‘The long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment which an interaction with various barriers may hinder the full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.’
The World Health Organisation (WHO) shifts the understanding of disability from a focus on impairment of individuals to improving barriers to access. WHO identifies not just physical or mental conditions but rather defines disability as being interconnected with features of the society in which he or she lives.
"Overcoming the difficulties faced by people with disabilities requires interventions to remove environmental and social barriers"
Wagga Wagga City Council acknowledges all forms of disability, both visible and invisible, when identifying the importance of accessibility and inclusion for all. For the purpose of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, we will define disability to include, but not be limited to, the following types of disability;
- Intellectual
- Physical
- Auditory
- Cognitive
- Significant mental health issues
- Visual
- Sensory
- Psychosocial
Page 11 & 12 - Demographics of Local Government Area (LGA)
- The population forecast for Wagga Wagga in 2017 is 65,712 *Estimate from forecast.id.au/wagga-wagga
- 18.2% of the population are individuals living with a disability. That’s approx. 12,000 individuals *Australian Bureau of Statistics 2012 Disability estimates
- 9.4% of population are carers for persons with a disability *FACS District data profiles 2014- 2015
- 4.6% of the population identify as either Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander *Based on 2011 Census data
- The average success rate for participants in the Disability Management Service stream (job seekers with disability, injury or health condition who are not expected to need long term support) for Disability employment services in reaching a 26 week outcome is 35% *Data from Labour Market Information portal, June 2016
- There are 2651 mobility permit holders in Wagga Wagga (as at Nov 2016) *Data from RMS of Mobility Parking Scheme (MPS) permit holders as at Nov 2016
- 2550 of people living with a disability in the Murrumbidgee are clients of NSW Family and Community Services *FACS District data profiles 2014- 2015
- The highest % of people living with a disability are in the suburbs of Ashmont, Mount Austin and Tatton *Based on 2011 Census data
- 11.4% of the population were receiving aged pension, disability and sickness benefits *Data from Local Health District NSW 2010
- The average placement rate for participants in the Disability Management Service (job seekers with disability, injury or health condition who are not expected to need long term support) stream for Disability employment services is 34% *Data from Labour Market Information portal, June 2016
- 95% of Wagga Wagga’s population were classified as employed, in either full time or part time work *Based on 2011 Census data
- 10.5% of Wagga Wagga City’s labour force aged 15 to 24 years were classed as unemployed *Based on 2011 Census data
- The average success rate for participants in the Employment Support Service stream (job seekers with permanent disability and will need ongoing and regular support) at a Disability employment services in reaching a 26 week outcome is 51% *Data from Labour Market Information portal, June 2016
- The average placement rate for participants in the Employment Support Service (job seekers with permanent disability and will need ongoing and regular support) stream for Disability employment services is 49% *Data from Labour Market Information portal, June 2016
Pages 13 to 16 - Understanding legislation and policy
There are a number of laws, policies and standards that assist services and government agencies to understand what they have to comply with or how best to work with people with disabilities in all aspects of what they do. These exist at an International level, a Commonwealth and State Government level and also at a Local Government level.
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)
Australia was one of the first countries to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 17 July 2008.
The Convention aims to enhance opportunities for people with disability to participate in all aspects of social and political life including access to employment, education, health care, information, justice, public transport and the built environment.
National Disability Strategy 2010 – 2020
The National Disability Strategy 2010-2020 provides a ten-year national policy framework for improving life for Australians with disability, their families and carers. It represents a commitment by all levels of government, industry and the community to a unified, national approach to policy and program development. This new approach aims to address the challenges faced by people with disability, both now and into the future.
Importantly, action taken under the strategy to improve the accessibility of mainstream services for people with disability will complement specialist disability services and programs currently provided by Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments, including those provided through the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
The strategy was formally endorsed by the Council of Australian Governments on 13 February 2011. The development of the strategy was informed by a nation-wide public consultation process, involving more than 2,500 people and reported in Shut Out: The Experience of People with Disabilities and their Families in Australia.1
National Disability Insurance Scheme Act (NDISA) 2013
The NDISA is the legislation which establishes the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is the new way of providing support for Australians with disability, their families and carers. As an insurance scheme, the NDIS takes a lifetime approach, investing in people with disability early to improve their outcomes later in life. The NDIS supports people with disability to build skills and capability so they can participate in the community and employment.2
Disability Discrimination Act
The Federal Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) provides protection for everyone in Australia against discrimination based on disability. It encourages everyone to be involved in implementing the Act and to share in the overall benefits to the community and the economy that flow from participation by the widest range of people.
1. Excerpt taken from the Australian Government Department of Social Services website. https://www.dss.gov.au/
2. Excerpt taken from the NDIS website: https://www.ndis.gov.au/index.html
Disability discrimination happens when people with a disability are treated less fairly than people without a disability. Disability discrimination also occurs when people are treated less fairly because they are relatives, friends, carers, co-workers or associates of a person with a disability3
NSW Disability Inclusion Act (2014) and Disability Inclusion Regulation (2014)
The Act has two broad aims. The first aim is to set out how NSW Family and Community Services will provide disability supports and services up until the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has been rolled out across the whole of NSW by mid- 2018. The second aim is to make sure that after moving to the NDIS, NSW continues to be a place where people with disability have access to mainstream services and are part of their community.
The Disability Inclusion Regulation 2014 (the Regulation) supports the Act and provides the necessary detail for the Act to work properly.
The Act:
- makes it clear that people with disability have the same human rights as other people
- promotes the inclusion of people with disability by requiring government departments and local councils to engage in disability inclusion action planning
- supports people with disability to exercise choice and control through individualised funding wherever possible
- provides safeguards for people accessing NSW funded disability supports and services, including new employment screening requirements and the need for disability accommodation providers to report abuse or neglect of people with disability to the Ombudsman. Funded providers of centre-based day programs are also required to report incidents to the Ombudsman in relation to people with disability living in supported group accommodation4.
3. Excerpt taken from the Australia Human Rights Commission website. https://www.humanrights.gov.au/
Wagga Wagga City Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan
The plan aligns with Wagga View, Community Strategic Plan 2040 in that it aims to promote inclusion and connectivity of individuals with disability in the community by increasing access to information, services, employment, education and social opportunities.
The Disability Inclusion Action Plan sits within the Community Strategic Plan as a direct response to inclusion being identified as a guiding principle in the Community Strategic Plan. It is also a legislative requirement proposed in the NSW Disability Inclusion Act (2014).
Other relevant legislation and policy
There are a number of pieces of legislation, standards and policies that guide direction and ensure consistent standards are adhered to across many aspects of our lives, these sit across legislation at all three tiers of government. Whilst not exhaustive, some of the legislation and policies considered in the development of the plan are listed:
- National Disability Strategy 2010-2020 (NDS)
- National Standards for Disability Services
- NSW Government Sector Employment Act 2013
- NSW Disability Services Standards
- NSW Anti-discrimination Act 1977
4. Excerpt taken from the NSW Family and Community Services, ageing, Disability and Homecare site. http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au
Page 17 & 18 - Developing the plan
To ensure Wagga Wagga City Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan is inclusive of the wider community, a number of consultations took place. These consultations ranged in method of delivery and included approximately 2500 community members. These methods included the Community Strategic Plan consultations, a Disability Inclusion Action Plan Public Forum, online surveys and individual and group consultations with a number of people with a disability, their families, carers and service providers.
The plan is broken into four sections;
- developing positive community attitudes and behaviours
- creating livable communities
- supporting access to meaningful employment
- improving access to services through better systems and processes
Each section provides you with a snapshot of:
1) What you said. This section includes excerpts in the community’s words of what was said that the Wagga Wagga City Council needed to focus on to increase inclusion and accessibility.
2) What Wagga Wagga City Council has done. Wagga Wagga City Council has been committed to inclusion and access for some time and this section details the actions already achieved to increase liveability in the city.
3) What Wagga Wagga City Council will do. The Action Plan highlights what Wagga Wagga City Council can commit to or strive to achieve, in the next four years 2017 – 2021.
Is the action funded or unfunded?
All items in the action plan are linked to outcomes and strategies identified in the Community Strategic Plan (CSP). Whilst Wagga Wagga City Council has made a financial commitment to many items in the plan, some items do not yet have funding.
The plan identifies, through an Integrated Planning and Reporting (IPR) framework, which action items will be incorporated into operations or which items will receive additional capital funding or have been approved by council for future consideration in a ‘concepts’ list. It is the intent that these items listed as ‘unfunded’ or as ‘concepts’ may be further progressed through seeking funding opportunities to be able to progress these items, in many cases, through grant applications. No date for completion is noted against the unfunded items as the Wagga Wagga City Council cannot commit to delivering items which do not yet have available funds. All other items have a clear timeline that Wagga Wagga City Council agrees to deliver them by.
Opportunities will be sought for partnership projects and / or funding with State and Federal Government where actions plan items align.
Page 19 & 20 - The path Wagga Wagga City Council took
1. POLICY ANALYSIS:
- Review Council Policy
- Review Disability Legislation and any ongoing changes in the political landscape
2. CONSULTATION:
- Consult Community Strategic Plan
- Individual and group consultations
- Staff survey
- Community online survey
- Public forum
- Internal consultation with Council staff
3. ISSUES AND STRATEGIES IDENTIFIED
- Priority areas identified in key consultations both internally and externally driven
4. DEVELOP STRATEGY AND DRAFT ACTION PLAN
- Review other agencies Disability Inclusion Action Plan guidelines
- Review 2011 census data and service delivery profile
- Internal consulatation with Council staff representative of a broad range of services
5. REVIEW
- Collate data
- Compile action plan
- Draft circulated
- Endorsed by Councillors Plan on Public Exhibition
6. IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING
Page 21 & 22 - Overview of consultation
“We have found the people of Wagga are friendly and helpful without being patronising, and are quick to assist with access to shops and facilities. Also, the overhanging verandahs of some parts of central are very welcoming, providing shade and protection from the heat of summer and the rain of winter”
Top five responses from community about what would make a difference to their experience living in Wagga Wagga:
- Accessible adult change room/toilet
- Inclusive play space for older individuals with disability
- Create meaningful job opportunities
- Provide access to the lake to enable those with disabilities to fish/go on a boat
- Flexible and supportive induction and training processes
Wagga Wagga City Council received satisfied/high satisfaction ratings in the following areas:
- Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre
- Wagga Wagga Art Gallery
- Wagga Wagga City Library
- Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre
- Designated parking for people with a disability
Priority areas for Wagga Wagga City Council that contained a low satisfaction rating:
- Public toilets, in particular adult change rooms
- Footpaths and connectivity
- Parks/open space and sporting fields
Pages 23 to 27: Attitudes and Behaviours
Objective
Improve community wide attitudes and behaviours towards people living with a disability through promoting awareness of ability, understanding barriers to access and changing language to reflect the capabilities of individuals.
Changing language
Throughout the consultations one of the things that became evident was the need to change the lens on disability through changing language. When disabled toilets were discussed the advice was where possible Wagga Wagga City Council should be talking about accessible toilets. People shared their personal experiences of being defined in their schooling, social life, community and workplaces by their disability and not by their skills and strengths. Wagga Wagga City Council hope one of the first steps in impr oving attitudes and behaviours will be shown through changing language.
What you said…
- "It feels like there is a sign on your forehead"
- "More acceptability and equity within our community"
- "Most of the staff at the Oasis are so friendly and know my name"
- "Wagga needs to have more open conversations about mental health and domestic violence, especially for males. More services need to be available and more acceptance"
- "Celebrate diversity and strengths, breakdown the stigma that still exists" "More awareness campaigns needed"
What Wagga Wagga City Council has done:
- Inclusive is an adopted guiding principle in our Community Strategic Plan and everything we do will be measured against it
- People living with a disability are consulted on all major plan developments eg: Wagga Integrated Transport Strategy
- Multiple resources including large print books, read along learning and services like speech therapy are made available through our Library
- Weekly programs at the Museum of the Riverina in partnership with the Leisure Company
- Prominent art exhibitions in partnership with local services to showcase the work of artists living with a disability in our Art Gallery
- Financial support of the International Day of People with Disabilities and the Wagga Disability Dance Party
- Auspiced the Sector support Ageing and Disability team who work with services across 32 Local Government Areas.
What Wagga Wagga City Council will do:
Improve attitudes and behaviours towards people living with a disability through increasing awareness of ability and changing language to reflect the capabilities of individuals.
CSP Outcome and Strategy | Action | Timing | Responsible Manager | IPR funding type or unfunded | Key Performance Indicator |
We have a variety of education and training opportunities. | 1.1 Review induction program to ensure the content promotes inclusion and consideration of people with a disability. | Year 1 | Manager People and Culture | Operational |
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Strategy: Provide opportunities for training and lifelong learning. | 1.2 Provide front of house staff with skills in the use of technological resources to increase accessibility for people with a disability. | Year 2 | Manager Information and Customer Service and Manager People and Culture | Operational |
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We are a centre for Arts and Culture. | 1.3 A suite of inclusive programs are offered across the City of Wagga Wagga’s cultural facilities that include targeted programs, shows and exhibitions for people with disabilities | Ongoing | Manager Community Services | Operational and opportunities sought for grant funding |
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Strategy: Deliver arts and cultural program and Deliver a range of performances for all audiences | 1.4 Promote programming in cultural facilities to services working with people with disabilities and included in council news | Ongoing | Manager Community Services | Operational and opportunities sought for grant funding |
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Everyone in our community feels they have been heard and understand. | 1.5 Include images that represent the diversity of our community in future plans and publications e.g. people with disabilities and culturally, socially diverse groups | Ongoing | Marketing and Communications coordinator and Manager City Strategy | Operational |
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Strategy: Create inclusive and accessible engagement strategies | 1.6 Review language used in all future documents/signage to ensure it is inclusive and focuses on accessibility, ability and inclusion | Year 2 | Marketing and Communications coordinator | Operational |
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Groups, program and activities bring us together. | 1.7 Promote days and weeks that celebrate ability and diversity such as Mental Health Month, International Day of people with a disability to our community. | Ongoing | Manager Community Services | Operational |
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Strategy: Create events, programs and activities to encourage participation | 1.8 Work with local agencies and organisations that provide awards e.g. Wagga Wagga Seniors festival community service awards, service clubs, business chamber to advocate for an accessibility award to recognise businesses increasing access through redesign, policies and process to increase access for people with disabilities | Ongoing | Manager Community Services | Unfunded seek available grants |
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We have vibrant precincts. | 1.9 Raise awareness with local services and businesses about how they can become more inclusive in the layout of their design (eg.shops) and how they can attract the business of people with a disability. | Ongoing | Manager Community Services | Unfunded grant funds to be sourced |
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Strategy: Design accessible community hubs and Create a people focused Central Activity District | 1.10 Promote the recharge scheme with local businesses and shopping centres to increase access for people with mobility devices through promoting locations to recharge their devices. | Ongoing | Manager Community Services | Unfunded grant funds to be sourced |
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Pages 28 to 36 - Liveability
Objective
Improve the accessibility and inclusion of community members living with disability in Wagga Wagga to public spaces and places through applying universal design principles and improving connectivity.
What is Liveability?
Liveability is an assessment of what a place is like to live in, taking into account particular qualities and standards. These can include sustainability, accessibility, inclusion, access to education, healthcare, crime and safety, environment, recreational facilities and cultural activities. Wagga Wagga City Council aims to continue building Wagga Wagga as a sustainable liveable community, through increased access and inclusion for all.
Source: Fairlie, Paul. 2011. Meaningful Work, Employee Engagement, and Other Key Employee Outcomes. Advances in Developing Human Resources, Vol 13, Issue 4, pp. 508 - 525
What you said…
- "Would be cool to have better access to parks and recreational assets"
- "We need access to calming spaces across the city"
- "The doors to the art gallery are not open, and I can’t open them"
- "A lot of people don’t have transport. The hospital gives you two hours leave and no transport to take you anywhere but taxis. Buses are $8 per trip, taxis are more. Subsidied cost for transport for mental health services would be hugely beneficial."
- "We need to create a liveable community for all, people with a disability, parents with prams, the ageing population, people who are vision or hearing impaired."
- "There are no accessible bathrooms in Wagga Wagga with a hoist and an adult change table so this limits our attending things in the community and even shopping. Sometimes events are just too hard to attend as we cannot change our daughter. Then the whole family misses out."
- "I don’t feel safe on the bed in the change room at the Oasis, it needs to be more stable and larger" "We need more shade, it takes us longer to get places"
What Wagga Wagga City Council has done:
- Inclusive is an adopted principle guiding the development of the Community Strategic Plan
- Recharge stations have been installed in council facilities
- Installation of hearing loops and counter loops in multiple publically accessible sites across council
- Installed change facilities with a hoist in the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre
- Increased accessible parking spots around the city centre
- Installation of a sensory wall in the Wagga Wagga City Library
- Automated doors added to accessible toilets in multiple sites
- Wagga Wagga Art Gallery and Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre have completed access audits
What Wagga Wagga City Council will do:
Improve the accessibility and inclusion of community members living with a disability in the City Of Wagga Wagga to public spaces and places through applying universal design principles and improving connectivity
CSP Outcome and Strategy | Action | Timing | Responsible Manager | IPR funding type or unfunded | Key Performance Indicator |
We activate our community spaces to create connectedness. | 2.1 Consult with people with disabilities to assist in reviewing barriers to access in Baylis St and Fitzmaurice St. | Year 1 | Manager Community Services | Operational |
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Strategy: Ensure spaces are accessible through universal design principles | 2.2 Audit high usage council owned community centres and halls and identify barriers to access e.g. Ramps into buildings and develop a plan to address these 2.3 A ramp is built to connect the indoor and outdoor environment at the Ngurra Hub Ashmont. | Year 2 Year 1 | Manager Operations Manager Project Operations | Operational Operational |
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Recreation is a part of everyday life. | 2.4 Train staff to embed the principles of access and universal design in the undertaking of accessibility audits of places and spaces to improve accessibility | Manager People and Culture, Manager Project Operations and Manager Operations | Unfunded (possible budget variation or external funds sought) |
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Strategy: Create inclusive play spaces and recreation facilities | 2.5 An all abilities fenced playground is designed and built in the Bolton park precinct. 2.6 Upgrades to existing parks and playgrounds are undertaken in line with existing works schedule to increase accessibility where possible | Year 1 Ongoing | Manager City Strategy Manager City Strategy | Capital works and grant funding Capital works and grant funding to be sourced for further improvements |
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We have a strong sense of place. Strategy: Provide annual grants to support community groups to develop spaces | 2.7 Support funding for community groups and services to improve accessibility and apply principles of universal design in buildings and service delivery 2.8 Undertake an audit of civic centre and key facilities owned by council where accessibility devices e.g. counter loops, are utilised and or required and develop implementation schedule 2.9 Develop a maintenance schedule to ensure all access devices are well signed and maintained to appropriate standards or updated when required 2.10 Increase community access to the Lake Albert Community facility by installing access ramp 2.11 Review options to increase accessibility to Lake Albert for recreational fishing etc | Ongoing Year 1 Year 3 | Manager Community Services Manager Operations Manager Operations Manager Operations Manager City Strategy | Operational Unfunded Unfunded Capital Operational |
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We Activate our community spaces to create connectedness. | 2.12 Review and Implement Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP) and Engineering guidelines in line with other relevant council plans to increase connectivity across the city | Year 2 | Manager Project Operations and Manager Operations | Concepts |
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Strategy: Ensure spaces are accessible through universal design principles | 2.13 Increase number of accessible parking spaces to reflect proportion of permit holders in the community. 2.14 Improve connections of footpaths to increase connectivity to community infrastructure 2.15 Continue shared path network along Riverside 2.16 Implement urban canopy strategy to increase shade in along high usage paths. | Ongoing Ongoing Year 1 | Manager Project Operations and Manager Operations Manager Projects Operations Manager City Strategyand Manager Operations Manager City Strategy and Manager Operations | Operational Capital works Capital works |
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We improve the facilities of our places and spaces. | 2.17 Supply and install of 1 x mobile accessible adult change facilities are made available in CBD | Year 1 | Manager Operations | Capital works |
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Strategy: Increase the accessibility for people with a disability to access amenities and change facilities | 2.18 Supply and install of 1 fixed accessible adult change facility is located in the CBD 2.19 Double the Master Locksmith Association Key scheme for 3 council owned accessible toilets 2.20 Supply and install accessible toilet in the Bolton Park precinct to service the all abilities playground | Year 2 | Manager Operations and Manager Community Services Manager Operations | Unfunded Operational Concepts |
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We have complete and accessible transport networks. | 2.21 Promote subsidised schemes and community transport | Ongoing | Manager Community Services | Operational |
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Increase accessibility to public transport networks | 2.22 Advocate for further development to pedestrian crossings at traffic lights to include timed crossings 2.23 Improve bus shelters to be accessible (rolling scheme upgrades) | Year 1 Ongoing | Manager Community Services Manager Operations | Operational Capital Program |
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Recreation is a part of everyday life | 2.24 Install nonslip tiles in the Oasis Aquatic Centre. | Year 1 | Manager Projects Operations | Capital funding and grant funds |
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Strategy: Create inclusive play spaces and recreation facilities | 2.25 Improve accessibility safety and stability of the adult change facilities at the Oasis Aquatic Centre | Year 1 | Manager Oasis | Grant funded |
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We are a centre for arts and culture. | 2.26 Complete civic Theatre Auditorium & Foyer Refurbishment Stage 1 includes: Over 50 removable seats in 2 sections of theatre replaced which can be removed for people with disabilities when required | Year 1 | Manager Community Services | Capital |
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Strategy: Promote and provide access to arts and cultural facilities such as the Art Gallery, Civic Theatre, Museum and Library | Stage 2 A permanent accessible lift is fitted to the access stage area and accessible backstage toilet 2.27 Replace existing Art Gallery doors with automated ones to increase accessibility 2.28 Replace existing Museum doors with automated ones to increase accessibility | Year 1 Year 1 | Manager Community Services Manager Community Services Manager Community Services | Concepts Capital works Capital works |
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We improve the facilities of our spaces and places. | 2.29 New signage installed includes provisions for accessibility and where appropriate Braille is included in high usage areas e.g. Civic Centre | Year 2 | Marketing and Communications coordinator | Operational |
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Strategy Increase the accessibility of recreational spaces and buildings | 2.30 Promote what council has achieved in accessibility in the community through council news and online. 2.31 Publicise the availability of accessible facilities through online mapping e.g. Accessible parking spaces and toilets and hearing loops | Ongoing Ongoing | Marketing and Communications coordinator Manager Information and Customer Service | Operational Operational |
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Pages 37 to 41 - Meaningful Employment
Objective
Increase meaningful employment options for individuals living with disability, including volunteer and work experience opportunities.
About meaningful employment
Meaningful employment has shown to have a vast impact on an individual’s life, encompassing economic, social and psychological factors. Not only does it assist in obtaining a form of financial stability and feeling of contribution to the wider community, it has also shown to have positive increases in health, well-being, identity, self-worth and social inclusion. A lack of opportunity and access to meaningful employment for individuals therefore has shown to have negative impacts in each of these areas. Wagga Wagga City Council wants to show commitment to increasing meaningful employment opportunities within Council for individuals with disability5.
5. Sources: Commonwealth Department of Social Services. (2011). National Disability Strategy 2010 – 2020. Canberra, Australia. Retrieved from https:// www.dss.gov.au/ourresponsibilities/disability-and-carers/publications-articles/ policy-research/nationaldisability-strategy-2010-2020
Royal Australasian College of Physicians [RACP] & The Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. (2011). Position statement on realising the health benefits of work. Retrieved from https://www.racp.edu.au/ docs/defaultsource/advocacy-library/realising-the-health-benefits-of- work. pdf?sfvrsn=10
What you said…
- "Flexible and supportive job application and interview processes"
- "There is a misunderstanding of what we will be like. You’re seen as a nuisance until you prove to be an asset"
- "It would be great to see employment landscape change to enable all people of all abilities to have work options at council"
- "Need to be more proactive engaging those with disabilities -from advertising, active discrimination in favour and workplace design"
- "I don’t recall the advertisement for my position stating that people with disabilities were encouraged to apply, someone in a physical impairment (i.e.: without the use of their legs) would be able to do this job".
- "More support needed within the workplace of mental health issues in order to help sustain meaningful employment - mental health first aid"
What Wagga Wagga City Council has done:
- Employee support officers provide peer support to colleagues
- A Diversity Strategy was introduced to ensure council is proactive in supporting all employees
- Modifications and on the job design available
- We are an employer of choice
- A needs based interview with appropriate access will be arranged for all applicants with accessibility needs
- Staff surveys completed to understand what we do well and can do better for staff with disabilities
- Employee assistance program available to all employees
- Some recruitment includes practical assessment for best match to role
What Wagga Wagga City Council will do:
Increase meaningful employment for individuals living with disability, including volunteer and work experience opportunities
CSP Outcome and Strategy | Action | Timing | Responsible Manager | IPR funding type or unfunded | Key Performance Indicator |
We have career opportunities | 3.1 A primary contact will be established for job service agencies (JSAs), that focus on support for people with disabilities to identify opportunities for employment where barriers to access may exist | Year 1 | Manager People and Culture | Operational |
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Strategies: Cater for employment of all abilities and; Encourage opportunities to volunteer | 3.2 Review recruiting and volunteering policies and procedures to include equitable provisions for improved access by people with a disability. | Year 3 | Manager People and Culture | Operational |
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We have leaders that represent us. | 3.3 Managers and supervisors are provided with guidance on inclusion and appropriate practices and resources to support employees with a disability to achieve to succeed | Year 2 | Manager People and Culture | Operational |
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Strategy: Provide mentoring and leadership opportunities | 3.4 Undertake annual employee opinion survey of employees to gauge workplace diversity and employees attitudes to inclusion and accessibility | Ongoing | Manager People and Culture | Operational |
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We have career opportunities | 3.5 Maintain support to employees through the training of Employee Support Officers (ESO) and through the provision of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) | Ongoing | Operational |
| |
Strategies: Cater for employment of all abilities | |||||
We have a variety of education and training opportunities. | 3.6 Provide Equal Employment Opportunity training to all employees as part of corporate training package. | Ongoing | Manager People and Culture | Operational |
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Strategy: Provide opportunities for training and lifelong learning. | 3.7 Review recruitment processes | Year 1 | Manager People and Culture | Operational |
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3.8 Increase number of people with a disability employed at Council towards a 10% target. | Year 4 | Manager People and Culture | Operational |
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3.9 Ensure online models of training are inclusive of people with disabilities. | Year 2 | Manager People and Culture | Operational |
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3.10 Provide training to all employees on bullying and harassment | Ongoing | Manager People and Culture | Operational |
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3.11 Provide Mental Health Awareness Training to employees | Year 2 | Manager People and Culture | Operational |
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3.12 Provide mental health first aid training to identified employees |
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Pages 42 to 46 - Improve access to services through better systems and process
Objective
Increase access to information regarding a range of Wagga Wagga City Council’s services and facilities, as well as other services in the community through improved use ability and availability of information.
Guiding principles for system improvements
The National Standards for Disability Services is a best practice guide to help shape Wagga Wagga City Council’s systems and processes, relating mainly to the delivery and accessibility of information regarding processes, from registering your pet to applying for a job and to enable participation and access to Community and Council run events and cultural activities. These best practice principals include:
- All Wagga Wagga City Council staff are suitably qualified, skilled and supported;
- Wagga Wagga City Council has systems to strengthen and maintain organisational capabilities to directly support individuals, their families and carers to have increased access to Wagga Wagga City Council and community information, events and employment; Wagga Wagga City Council has monitoring, feedback, learning and reflection processes, which support continuous improvement;
- Wagga Wagga City Council employs a range of methods for active participation and consultation of people with disability and their family, friends, carers and advocates in planning, delivery and review across a number of departments.
Source: Australian Government, Department of Social Services (2013). National Standards for Disability Services – Evidence Guide.
What you said…
- "Adapting the workplace environment"
- "Free events need to be advertised better"
- "(Oasis) Swipe card system for the use of the toilet so there isn’t a need to ask" "Disability is an opportunity to make things better for everyone, not a hassle to deal with. Please put dyslexia font as an option on the council website".
- "Provide information such as stuff found in visitor information, to go into different organisations such as Sunflower house about events and things happening around town"
What Wagga Wagga City Council has done (Systems and Processes):
- Increased font in ‘Whats On’ Wagga
- Personalised service for people with literacy difficulties eg. form completion
- Council publishes annual community directory in online and print based format
- Service support provided through sector support program
- Our communications style guide requires all communications in plain English
- Website meets Web content accessibility guideline (WCAG) level AA compliance
- Visitor guide to Wagga Wagga highlights accessible rooms for visitors
What Wagga Wagga City Council will do:
Objective: Increase access to information regarding a range of Council services and facilities, as well as other services in the community through improved use ability and availability of information
CSP Outcome and Strategy | Action | Timing | Responsible Manager | IPR funding type or unfunded | Key Performance Indicator |
We have services that support us | 4.1 Community directory is in accessible format and includes information on services for people with disabilities | Year 2 | Manager Community Services | Operational |
|
Strategy: Promote the availability of services and how to access them | 4.2 Promote opportunities for community training in transition to NDIS 4.3 Provide sector support to services in Wagga Wagga | Year 1 Year 1 | Manager Community Services Manager Community Services | Operational Grant funds |
|
The City of Wagga Wagga has efficient and effective processes | 4.4 High volume forms are available in large print when requested 4.5 Community have a streamlined process to provide feedback on facilities and services. | Year 2 Year 2 | Manager Information and Customer Services Manager Information and Customer Services | Operational Operational |
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Strategy: Present easy to understand documentation | 4.6 Amend style guide to incorporate standard practice to increase accessibility and readability of all council materials. 4.7 Develop the Council website to level AAA on all consultation forums | Year 2 | Marketing and Communications coordinator Manager Information and Customer Service and Marketing and Communications coordinator | Operational Unfunded |
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We have access to the City of Wagga Wagga Strategy: Promote how people can contact the city and what they can contact the city about | 4.8 People with disabilities can contact the city through a number of formal and informal processes to ensure their feedback is received and a timely response is provided | Year 2 | Manager Information and Customer Services | Operational |
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Everyone in our community feels they have been heard and understood Strategy: Create inclusive and accessible engagement strategies | 4.9 Conduct annual consultation both internally and externally to monitor councils progress in delivering commitments outlined in the Disability Inclusion Action Plan and inform the community of these. | ongoing | Manager Community Service | Operational |
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Groups, programs and activities bring us together. | 4.10 Distribute What’s On Wagga to services which support people with a disability or mental health issue | Year 1 | Manager Community Services | Operational |
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Strategy: Promote social and special interest groups and opportunities to be involved | 4.11 Amend Events guide to include an accessibility checklist for anyone organising an event include recommendation for accessibility resources and support services Auslan Interpreters 4.12 Promote the companion card to reduce cost for carers required to accompany a person with a disability. | Year 3 Year 3 | Manager Community Services Manager Community Services | Operational Operational |
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We create safe places and spaces Strategy : design community infrastructure to Australian standards | 4.14 Provide information and resources to the emergency planning committee to ensure evacuation plans are inclusive of people with disabilities and update plans as required | Year 1 | Manager People and Culture | Operational |
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Pages 47 to 49: Services in wagga wagga local government area
The Wagga Wagga Local Government Area (LGA) is home to a number of services and organisations that work tirelessly to increase access, and provide support and assistance to people living with a disability and their families. This list, although not exhaustive provides information that may be useful in locating a required service.
In Wagga Wagga there are also a number of businesses that can provide aids, accessibility devices and services and audits to improve accessibility for people with a disability many of these can be found online. For more information please contact:
IDEAS 1800029904
The National Disability Service is a valued resource providing up to date information on policy, resources and providing events and training. To contact the National Disability Service:
National office 02 6283 3200
nds@nds.org.au
nds@nds.org.au 02 9256 3123
ndsnsw@nds.org.au
Disclaimer: Information provided in this plan is intended to provide a guide to many services, including government departments in the City of Wagga Wagga. However, the information contained is not exhaustive. No warranty, representation or undertaking is made about the content, accuracy and completeness of the information provided. The City of Wagga Wagga acknowledges that the information gathered was accurate and true at time of development. Council accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss, damage or injury which may arise from anything contained in this publication.
1. Intereach
(Specialises in: Youth, Carers, Respite, Case Management)
20 Peter St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: (02) 6932 8300
2. Northcott
(Specialises in: Youth, Case Management, Accommodation)
124 Peter Street, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: 1800 818 286
3. Cerebral Palsy Alliance
38 Murray St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: (02) 6921 9743
4. Ostara
(Specialises in: Mental Health, Disabilty and Employment)
40 Morrow St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: 02 6921 1047
5. Kurrajong
73-75 Johnston St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: 1300 764 620
6. Sureway
(Specialises in: employment)
Suite 3, 34-36 Fitzmaurice St,Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650
Ph: 1300 787 392
7. Headspace
(Specialises in: mental health, youth)
2/185 Morgan St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: (02) 6923 3170
8. Audio Clinic
(Specialises in: health, hearing)
1/177-179 Baylis St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: (02) 6925 8388
9. Job Centre Australia
(Specialises in: Employment, Transition to work, indigenous services)
55 Peter St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: (02) 6921 8004
10. Rosemont
(Specialises in: Aged care)
The Huthwaite Ctr Baylis St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: (02) 6921 8839
11. Wagga Autism Support Group
Wagga Autism Support Group Inc.
PO Box 5221
Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: (02) 6922 9744
12. The Personnel Group
(Specialises in: employment)
19 Fitzmaurice St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: (02) 6922 2888
13. Live Better
1 Fitzmaurice St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: (02) 6921 1441
14. Home Care Service NSW
(Specialises in: In home care, health services)
76 Morgan St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: (02) 6937 9621
15. Vision Australia
37 Trail St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: (02) 6926 8500
16. Aspergers Autism Youth Group
Run through COMPACT
1/112 Fitzmaurice St Wagga Wagga
NSW 2650
Ph: 02 6931 9300
17. Regional Disability Advocacy Service
31 Fitzmaurice St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: (02) 6921 9225
18. Better Hearing Australia
12 Docker St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: (02) 6925 2002
19. Wellways
(Specialises in: mental health, community and outreach support)
1/27 Forsyth St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: 1300 111 400
20. Calvary Community Care
50 Brookong Ave, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: 1300 660 022
21. Riding for the Disabled Association
321 Plumpton Road WAGGA WAGGA 2650
Ph: 6922 3550
22. Marymead
(Specialises in: youth, counselling, early intervention)
36-40 Gurwood St, Wagga Wagga, 2650
Ph: 02 6162 5800
23. Leisure Company
73 Peter St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: (02) 6921 2330
24. Care West
(Specialises in: Case Management, NDIS, Accommodation, Respite, Day Programs)
1 Fitzmaurice Street, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: 1300 227 393
25. One Door Mental Health
47-49 Gurwood Street
Wagga
Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: 02 6925 9399
26. Mental Health Recovery Unit
(Specialises in: Mental Health)
Wagga Wagga Sub- Acute Mental Health Unit PO Box 159 Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: 02 5943 1800
27. Wagga Community Transport Group
10 Chaston St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: (02) 6925 1007
28. Kurrajong Therapy Plus
(Specialises in: children, developmental delay)
2 Grampian Place, Tatton Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: (02) 6923 8400
29. Ningana Enterprises Inc
(Specialises in: employment, day programs, accommodation, respite)
Shop 7, Piazza Arcade, 46-52 Baylis Street, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: 02 6921 1393
30. Aspect Riverina School
(Specialises in: special education, autism)
Runs at Sacred Heart Primary School (Wagga)
Ph: 02 6057 3777
31. Community Mental Health Service
2 O’Reilly St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: (02) 6923 5700
32. Sunflower House
4 The Esplanade, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: (02) 6931 8770
33. Partners in Recovery
1/185 Morgan St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650, Australia
Ph: 02 6923 3192
34. Strong Minds (Marathon Health)
154 Fitzmaurice Street, PO Box 138 Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: (02) 6923 3195
35. Child and Adolescent Mental Health
2 O’Reilly St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: (02) 6923
36. Wagga Family Support Service
46/52 Baylis St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: (02) 6921 7544
37. Hearing Aid Specialists
197 Baylis St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: (02) 6921 6800
38. Flourish Australia
Unit 2, 84-86 Fitzmaurice St, Wagga Wagga
Ph: 9393 9520
39. CareSouth
Unit 7, 24 Esplanade
Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Ph: 1300 554 260
Page 50 - Contact Us
Wagga Wagga City Council Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 - 2021
Wagga Wagga City Council
PO Box 20
Cnr Baylis & Morrow Sts Wagga Wagga NSW
Ph: 1300 292 442 Fax: (02) 6926 9199
Email: council@wagga.nsw.gov.au
Follow @WaggaCouncil on Twitter to get the news, events and emergency information straight from the source.