Access and inclusion
Key points
We are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive and accessible community, as outlined in our Disability, Access and Inclusion Policy and Action Plan.
We support inclusion in Cardinia Shire
Local government has a critical role in encouraging and supporting active participation in community life, and ensuring that its services are accessible, equitable and inclusive to all residents, including:
- people from diverse cultural backgrounds, including and not limited to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- people from cultural and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds
- those identifying as LGBTIQ+
- people of faith
- people of all ages, genders and abilities.
Our inclusivity statement
Cardinia Shire Council encourages a sense of belonging within our shire. We support an inclusive community comprised of people from diverse backgrounds, including and not limited to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from cultural and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, those identifying as LGBTIQ+, people of faith, and people of all ages, genders and abilities.
Cardinia Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee
Cardinia Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee (CAIAC) is committed to making Cardinia Shire welcoming, accessible and inclusive to all.
Purpose
The Access and Inclusion Committee are representatives of the disability community, disability sector and Cardinia Shire Councillors.
- We monitor and review access and inclusion policy and Council's disability action plan
- We provide information to Council on issues impacting upon people with disability that prevent inclusion in the community
- We have input and participation in strategic planning
- We are represented on Council Community Advisory Committee’s for local projects
- We liaise with Cardinia Shire Council on Council related matters
Meetings
The meetings are open to the public.
10am–12noon
More information
For more information or to register your interest contact our access and inclusion - disability officer on 1300 787 624 or mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au
Access keys
Council is improving the accessibility of 3 of its premier facilities with access keys.
An access key is an accessibility guide on a facility, event or location for people with a disability.
Access keys help you to:
- know what to expect before you go to a place or event, so you can plan and prepare
- determine whether the location or event is suitable to visit
- feel less worried about visiting new places
- have a better, easier and more enjoyable experience
- be more independent.
Access keys have information on topics including:
- venue suitability
- accessible features including toilets
- venue layout
- parking
- distances from carpark to door
- ease of movement
- sensory elements.
This infromation can help you and your support people feel more confident, safe, independent and included.
Coming soon
Access keys will be available in 2021 for:
- Pakenham Library
- Cardinia Cultural Centre
- Deep Creek Reserve in Pakenham, for these facilities:
- eco play
- all abilities play space
- eco centre
- golf club
- indigenous plant nursery
Free disability awareness training for staff and volunteers
Staff and volunteers at organisations striving to be more inclusive can access free online disability awareness training. The 'You Me Us' portal is a local government initiative.
The training focuses on topics including:
- attitudes
- language
- communication
- access.
Participants can watch videos, complete quizzes and receive a certificate of completion. It's a great tool for your induction or orientation program, or to promote that you're a disability-aware business, service or organisation.
There are 3 programs tailored to the needs of leisure centres, community centres and Council staff, although anyone who is interested and keen to learn can access them, as well as videos and resources to help businesses create a more accessible and welcoming environment for customers.
Power Up
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Increased accessibility
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Increased safety
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An inclusive community
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Increased community disability awareness
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More customers
Cardinia Shire Power Up locations:
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Civic Centre – Officer
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Cardinia Life – Pakenham
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Cockatoo Senior Citizens
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Emerald Evergreen Senior Citizens
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Gembrook Community Centre
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Kooweerup Community Centre
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Kooweerup Regional Health Service
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Lang Lang Senior Citizens
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Outlook Vic
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Pakenham Hall/Library Complex
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Pakenham Senior Citizens
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Toomah Community Centre
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Toomuc Recreation Reserve Pavilion
How to apply for a sign:
- Provide an accessible, designated power point
- Clear access to the power point
- Have a Residual Current Device (RCD) installed or mounted on the electrical switchboard of their premises
- Have public liability insurance coverage of a minimum of $20 million
Then contact us:
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Cardinia Shire
What is the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)?
Local Area Coordinators (LAC)
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help you understand and access the NDIS
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help you to find and start receiving the services in your NDIS plan
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help you to make changes to your plan through a plan review
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look at the Latrobe Community Health Service webpage
- call them on 1800 242 696
- visit their office at Level 1, 48 John Street, Pakenham, VIC 3810
Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI)
ECEI is an approach to provide parents / primary caregivers of young children (0-6 years) who have developmental delay or disabilities timely access to best-practice early childhood supports, experiences and opportunities.
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help you find supports in your area
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provide some short-term early intervention
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help you to request NDIS access if your child requires longer-term early childhood intervention supports.
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look at the Link Health and Community webpage
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call them on 1800 546 532
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vist their office by appointment only at Suite 1/7 Bakewell Street, Cranbourne 3977
Am I eligible to access the NDIS?
Find out on the NDIS webpage
More information
Call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 or go to the NDIS website
Accessible buildings and facilities
We follow our Access Design Guidelines to ensure new buildings and facilities are accessible for everyone in our community.