People with a disability

Council’s aim is to enhance equal opportunities for inclusion and participation in community life within the Byron Shire, enabling all residents to enjoy the lifestyle available within the Shire.

Council's commitment is demonstrated by its recent review and updating of its Disability Action Plan (DAP) and employing a permanent part-time Aged and Disability Development Officer.

The new Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) now replaces the former DAP, and reflects our determination to draw together in a coordinated way, all the operations of Council and  provide the framework to further address disability and access issues which impact on the lives of residents with a disability and their carers. 

Council acknowledges the contribution of the Access Committee, Council staff, service providers and the broader community, who will be the active participants in the implementation of this DAIP.

As part of the ongoing monitoring and review process we are seeking information from anyone who works, plays or visits Byron Shire, to provide us with some feedback relating to access issues.

Your contribution will provide us with a better understanding of community views, expectations and aspirations along with an indication of the community's awareness of council's current DAIP, access initiatives and services.

Council wants to ensure the DAIP remains a 'living document' that continues to be responsible to community needs with effective, relevant strategies.

If you require further assistance or would like more information please contact:

Karen Ingleman
Aged and Disability Officer
Byron Shire Council
Phone 02 6626 7224 or email karen.ingleman@byron.nsw.gov.au

MLAK System

Click here for information on the MLAK system.

Mobility Maps

Click here for details and maps.

Companion Card

Byron Shire Council is now an affiliate of the National Companion Card Program.

What is a Companion Card?

People with a disability who require a carer, often need to pay for themselves and a companion to attend an event or performance. This can make outings expensive. If a person with a disability holds a Companion Card, the carer can attend events or performances for free, if the event is hosted by a Companion Card affiliate.

The Companion Card allows people with a significant and permanent disability, who require attendant care for the rest of their lives, to participate in community activities and events without discrimination.

The Companion Card is a credit card sized photo ID card issued to people with a disability who require lifelong attendant care support.

The cardholder presents their card at participating affiliate organisations to purchase a ticket or pay an entry fee and receive a ticket for their companion at no extra charge.

The National Companion Card Scheme

The National Companion Card Scheme brings together State and Territory Companion Card programs that enable eligible people with lifelong disability to participate at venues and activities without incurring the cost of a second ticket for their companion.

The National Card Scheme is comprised of Companion Card programs run by each State and Territory which issue the Companion Card i.e. there is no National Card. Under the scheme, a cardholder may use their card in any State or Territory when on holidays or travelling. If a cardholder permanently moves to reside in another state or territory then they will need to apply for a new Companion Card from the State/Territory in which they now reside.

For further information or to obtain a Companion Card, or become an affiliate organisation  visit www.nswcompanioncard.org.au.

Or free call 1800 893 044 or email companioncard@nds.org.au

Council facilities that currently accept the Companion Card include: 

• Byron Bay Swimming Pool
• Petria Thomas Swimming Pool, Mullumbimby
• Brunswick Heads Community Centre
• Durrumbul Community Centre
• Mullumbimby Civic Memorial Hall
• Ocean Shores Community Centre
• South Golden Beach Community Hall
• Suffolk Park Community Hall

The card can also be used at the following venues within Byron Shire:

• Bluesfest Pty Ltd, Byron Bay
• Byron Regional Sports and Cultural Complex
• Byron Writers Festival
• Dendy Cinema, Byron Bay
• Northern Rivers Buslines (Buslines Group)
• Northern Rivers Writers’ Centre
• Ocean Shores Art Expo
• Spaghetti Circus, Mullumbimby

Australian Disability Parking Scheme

The Australian Disability Parking Scheme helps eligible people park nearer to their destination.  A key feature of the scheme is the introduction of a national permit with enhanced security features.  These features will help reduce the abuse of permits.

The Australian Disability Parking Permit will be recognised in all States and Territories.  In some States and local government areas separate parking permits may be provided for specific purposes which are not part of the Australian Disability Parking Scheme.

Visit www.disabilityparking.gov.au for more information.

Accessible Transport in the Northern Rivers

A new 35 page booklet by the Northern Rivers Social Development Council (NRSDC) outlines what means of accessible transport are available and how to go about using them.

There is information about taxis, community transport, low floor buses, coach and rail. Accessible Transport in the Northern Rivers also includes contact details for service providers and a list of concessions available for people with disabilities.  There are also a number of accompanying Fact Sheets available on the topics of Wheelchair Accessible Taxis, Community Transport, Accessible Buses and Concessions.

You can access these resources by contacting:
Kate Geary
02 6620 1800 or email kate.geary@nrsdc.org.au

Northern Rivers Sailability

Recreational sailing between 11.00am and 3.00pm at Lake Ainsworth, Lennox Head.
Volunteers please arrive by 10.30am
Enquiries: Craig 6685 9086 craigscan@dodo.com.au or Chris 6686 5469 cooksail7@bigpond.com  

2013 Timetable

January 27 (Sailing, practice racing pm)
February 10 (Sailing all day, Market)
February 24 (Sailing, racing practice pm)
March 10 (Sailing all day, Market)
March 24 (Sailing, racing practice pm)
April 14 (Sailing all day)
April 28 (End season BBQ - bring a salad)
            WINTER BREAK