We're committed to building an inclusive and cohesive community that supports people of all abilities. We work with the disability sector to:
- create more accessible public places
- support the social and economic participation needs of people with disability
- build an inclusive community culture.
Hosted by us, the Whittlesea Disability Network (WDN) supports people with disability to participate in their community. The network runs at least four events each year, providing members with opportunities to share information and connect. It's open to people with disability, carers and supporters.
Features of the network include:
Access Point newsletter
The Whittlesea Disability Network’s bi-monthly newsletter has information about Council and community-based initiatives, activities and programs for people with disability and carers.
To get your copy of the Access Point newsletter, sign up to the WDN mailing list via access@whittlesea.vic.gov.au.
You can also find hard copies of the newsletter at your local community centre or library.
Network catch-ups
Come along to one of our friendly network meetings. Here we discuss emerging issues and listen to expert speakers on topics nominated by network members.
Network events are livestreamed, so you can attend in person or online.
For more information about joining the network or to attend a network meeting, contact the disability planner at access@whittlesea.vic.gov.au or call 03 9217 2170.
Our Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACCPYP) provides basic support services. These are available for people aged under 65 years, or Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander People aged under 50 years.
The program is designed for people who want to live as independently as possible in their homes and community, but who are not eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
For more about available services, see our section on home and community care for people under 65.
Across the City of Whittlesea we are working to ensure our municipality can be enjoyed by all.
Support to participate in Council meetings
Any member of the public can attend Council meetings to hear what is going on.
Meetings are also livestreamed via YouTube. You can turn on closed captions by clicking the “CC” icon at the bottom of the YouTube videos. If you can't watch the livestream, you'll also be able to view the meeting afterwards as the link will remain on our website for at least a year.
If you would like to attend in person and have additional accessibility requirements, contact our Governance department on 03 9217 2170 at least three working days before the event.
Get meeting dates and find out more about attending Council meetings.
Accessibility at Council venues
Council has several neighbourhood houses and community centres that offer courses and opportunities to connect with others in your community. Contact venues directly to find out about accessibility for people with disability.
View information about Neighbourhood House venues
Venues for hire
Accessible open spaces
Our community parks include accessible design and amenities to support people with disability to enjoy open spaces.
Find an accessible playground
Changing Places accessible toilets
Changing Places toilets are accessible amenities specially designed for people with disability who require extra support.
They differ from standard accessible toilets with additional features including:
- an adult change table
- ceiling hoist
- shower
- privacy screens
- large circulation spaces.
We have several Changing Places toilets across the municipality, including Marveloo facilities.
Find your nearest Changing Places facility
Master locksmith access keys
Master locksmith access keys (MLAKs) allow people with disability to access any specialist accessible amenity throughout Australia. This includes:
- Changing Places
- liberty swings
- elevators at railway stations
- secure accessible amenities.
Get your own MLAK by emailing us at leisure@whittlesea.vic.gov.au.
An MLAK for the Civic Centre Marveloo in South Morang is also available at the Customer Service Desk during business hours.
Find out more about MLAKs
Access Keys
Access Keys are written guides containing colour photos, supportive text, maps and sensory information to assist people in knowing what they might experience at a venue.
The guides also include details about:
- accessible parking
- entry points
- venue layout and amenities.
Depending on the venue, some Access Keys may contain information about accessible events, programs and wellbeing aspects.
The guides are available in full colour and large print, text-only formats.
We have partnered with Access Ability Australia to create a series of detailed guides to help you plan visits to local sporting facilities and playgrounds.
Find out more about planning an outing with Access Keys
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funds people under the age of 65 years who have permanent and significant disability. It is designed to increase their social and economic participation and strengthen their quality of life.
The Brotherhood of St Laurence supports people with disability who wish to apply for NDIS funding. The organisation also assists people to access appropriate services; both NDIS and non-NDIS.
Find out about the Brotherhood of St Laurence disability services
Every Council in Victoria is required by law to develop a Disability Action Plan (DAP). The aim of the plan is to reduce barriers and discrimination against people with disability.
Disability Action Plans work to:
- reduce barriers to accessing goods, services and facilities
- reduce barriers to obtaining and maintaining employment
- promote inclusion and participation in the community for people with disability
- achieve tangible changes in attitudes and practices that discriminate against people with disability.
Read a summary of our Disability Action Plan(PDF, 216KB)
Have you faced discrimination because of your disability? You can make a formal complaint.
If a person with disability is treated less favourably than a person without disability in the same or similar circumstances, you can make a discrimination complaint to have the matter addressed.
If this has happened to you or someone you know, contact the following organisations to find out what can be done.
Australian Human Rights Commission: for information about human rights and anti-discrimination law.
Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC): for complaints relating to discrimination.
Victorian Disability Services Commissioner: for complaints about a disability service provider.
Victorian Office of Public Advocate: for complaints relating to a vulnerable person with disability.
Visit the Whittlesea Disability Network hub or call 03 9217 2170.
If you would like to promote an accessible activity or group within the City of Whittlesea contact us at access@whittlesea.vic.gov.au or call 03 9217 2170.