North Sydney Mayor says inclusivity is "at the heart of our community" on International Day of People with Disability

Local councils on the north shore and northern beaches are hosting a range of events to mark the day, with North Sydney's accessible heritage tour of the Coal Loader perhaps the pick of the bunch.

Author

Christine Lai
December 04, 2024

Every year, on December 3rd, people around the world observe International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) to celebrate the achievements of individuals with disabilities and to raise awareness, understanding, and acceptance within the community. On the North Shore, local councils are hosting a variety of events to mark the day, highlighting the importance of inclusion and accessibility.

This year’s observance comes amid growing concerns over recent cuts to NDIS funding, sparking debate about the potential impact on the support and services available to people with disabilities. 

Considering these challenges, local events like the upcoming accessible heritage tour of the Coal Loader, in Waverton, provide an opportunity to promote inclusion and celebrate the achievements of the disability community. 

North Sydney Mayor Zoë Baker highlighted the importance of this day and the council’s ongoing efforts to foster inclusivity. 

“International Day of People with Disability is a chance to celebrate the contributions of a diverse cross section of our community,” Baker told the North Shore Lorikeet on Tuesday, “as well as an opportunity to reflect on how we are making North Sydney an accessible and welcoming place for everyone.”

Mayor Baker said that over the last 12 months, council has consulted with the community to “better understand the lived experience of people with disability, and how we can improve our services and infrastructure to meet their needs.”

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We have also established an Access and Inclusion Committee, to advise Council on embedding access and inclusion across all our work. Already, the Committee has contributed to Council's social inclusion strategy and practical access improvements, from our website to car parking. Council is committed to continuing to engage with the Committee and our community, so that inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do.

North Sydney Mayor Zoë Baker

Naomi Deck, Committee Member of the Disability Inclusion Committee at North Sydney Council, highlighted the council's ongoing commitment to accessibility for all residents.

“This year, the 'Access & Inclusion Committee' commenced, with a variety of members both with lived & professional experience of disability. This is a dynamic group, that are covering a range of accessibility opportunities and challenges- in the hope of making the area more accessible. We recognise this can't be addressed in one go- but a continued work in progress that we're all committed to,” Deck told The North Shore Lorikeet.  

In partnership with North Sydney Council, the community is invited to join an accessible heritage tour of the Coal Loader in Waverton this Saturday, 7 December. 

Heritage Tour of the Coal Loader 

The tour, accompanied by an Auslan interpreter, offers a unique chance to explore the history of this former industrial site, now a state-of-the-art Centre for Sustainability. Attendees will discover hidden treasures, hear inspiring stories, and learn about the centre’s sustainability contributions. 

The tour follows accessible pathways, with lift access to the lower level and tunnels. Limited accessible parking is available. The tour will take approximately 90 minutes, including a screening of a short documentary about the history of the site and the local area.

Recent Cuts to NDIS Funding Sparks Outcry

On International Day of People with Disability, alongside ongoing advocacy efforts, news of cuts to NDIS funding has raised significant concerns within the disability community.

Experts from Western Sydney University's Master of Creative Music Therapy program have expressed alarm over the funding cuts for music therapy under the NDIS’s Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living category. 

They warn that these cuts not only threaten the therapeutic outcomes for participants but also the future of music therapy training programs in Australia. 

“Without sustainable funding, music therapy practices will be unable to provide these placements, threatening the pipeline of skilled professionals entering the field,” Associate Professor Short said in a statement. 

The recent ban on funding for sexual services has sparked criticism, with some arguing that it restricts essential support for people with disability. In July, outgoing NDIS Minister Bill Shorten announced the ban, stating it was "not a sustainable proposition.”

In 2024–2025, the NDIS will allocate $46.4 billion for supports and services that are deemed reasonable and necessary. However, the funding will explicitly exclude drugs, alcohol, sexual services, rent, food, holidays, and certain lifestyle treatments like tarot card readings, reiki, and wilderness therapy. Mainstream services, such as homeschooling and prescription drugs available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), will also be excluded.