Mayor Shane Van Styn is pictured with Holland Street student Riley Bourne, Principal Rachel Rutter, student Isma Irwandie and Special Needs Education Assistant Misty Maylam.

Local efforts in the access and inclusion space has been recognised with the City of Greater Geraldton recently taking out a Most Accessible Community in WA award.

Sponsored by Regional Capitals Alliance WA, the City was awarded joint first place alongside Margaret River in the Leadership – Accessible/Inclusive Council Services, Programs and Events category.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the award was testament to the City leading the way in facilitating access and inclusion for all.

“We identified a big need to step into a leadership role to bring together stakeholders in both the disability and employment sectors to enhance the opportunity for meaningful employment for all in our community,” he said.

“City staff have really championed a strong approach and we are seeing this through the delivery of our own events, as well as supporting and advising external event organisers to embrace increased accessibility.

“We are proud to see that the focus and efforts to produce sustainable outcomes for people living with disability has won us this award.”

The City was awarded $250 for the award which was donated to Holland Street School at their recent school assembly.

The City continues to demonstrate leadership in enthusiastically planning, delivering and facilitating unique accessible and inclusive programs and events in Geraldton.

The City’s inaugural Disability Employment Mobile Outreach (DEMO) project and inclusive events planning are two programs which demonstrate the leadership role the City has played to facilitate enhanced access and inclusion.

The aim of DEMO is to raise awareness of the benefits of inclusive and diverse workplaces and to secure sustainable employment outcomes by removing barriers and creating pathways into employment.

In developing the City’s Events Strategy and its endorsement by Council, the unique opportunity to make Geraldton a destination for accessible events and tourism was identified.

Despite the impact of COVID on the events space, City staff has embraced access and inclusion, putting it at the forefront of various local events.

This award continues the City’s efforts in access and inclusion after Geraldton was named “Most Accessible Community” in the 2019 awards.