Major Events Grants are now open

Up to $5,000 available to bring your next event to life.

Disability access and inclusion

A community where everyone belongs

We want everyone to feel welcome and able to take part in community life.

We are working to make our services, facilities and events easier to access and use. Our Community Inclusion and Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2025-2029 explains what the community told us and what we will do to improve inclusion and accessibility.

View the Community Inclusion and Disability Inclusion Action Plan

Read the Easy Read version(PDF, 8MB)

What we're doing

Making services easier to use

We are:

making our online forms simpler and easier to complete
improving how we respond to access requests
working with local disability groups and people with lived experience to guide our decisions.

Improving access to community places

We are:

checking beaches and community facilities to identify access improvements
supporting upgrades to public amenities and community spaces
planning for more accessible parking
helping improve footpaths and pathways
providing beach matting at Town Beach
providing accessibility advice on major community projects

Supporting inclusive programs

We are:

funding local disability and inclusion projects through Community Grants
developing programs and activities that help people connect, participate, and feel included
supporting initiatives that improve wellbeing and reduce barriers to participation.

Making events more accessible

We are:

reviewing Council events to improve accessibility
creating an Accessible Events Toolkit
improving event layouts, signage, and information for all attendees

Enable Disability Advisory Group

Enable is a community‑led advisory group of people with disability, providing lived experience advice to Port Macquarie Hastings Council to improve access, inclusion and participation.

Accessibility Friendly Play Spaces

There are a number of accessible playgrounds within our local government area that aim to provide children of all ages and abilities a play space that promotes social interaction.
These play spaces reduce the barriers experienced by people with special needs.

Sandcruiser Beach Wheelchairs

We believe everyone should be able to enjoy a day out at the beach. Port Macquarie Hastings Council offers FREE beach wheelchairs for hire at four of our beaches. Beach wheelchairs are specifically designed for use on sand and the water’s edge making it easier for people with a disability or limited mobility to access the beach.

Lake Cathie Wheelchair Friendly Fishing Platform

A wheelchair friendly fishing platform located on the Lake Cathie foreshore, alongside the existing footpath, linking to the disability friendly car park.

McInherney Park Wheelchair Accessible Pontoon

This ponton has a gangway and is wheelchair accessible. It is located near sheltered picnic tables and BBQ area. There is convenient car parking and toilet facilities.

Master Locksmith Access Key

The MLAK key is a universal access key that allows people with disabilities to unlock dedicated public facilities across Australia, including accessible toilets, Changing Places bathrooms, lifts, and inclusive playground equipment.

Community Inclusion and Disability Inclusion Action Plan

We are committed to building a community where everyone feels seen, heard, valued and able to participate in local life.
The Community Inclusion and Disability Inclusion Action Plan (CIP/DIAP) embeds Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan and outlines how we will remove barriers, strengthen equity, and create opportunities for people who often face exclusion or limited access.

Need support through the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides support for people with disability.

Call 1800 800 110 to check if you’re eligible

Learn about NDIS access requirements

Find other support options if you’re not eligible