Building a more inclusive Geelong

ROTARY International’s Southern Districts Shine On recognitions came to Geelong for the first time last month, and I was honoured to attend.

The awards celebrated the outstanding service and achievements of people with disability from across Victoria, with many visiting from around the state for the special occasion.

I was also proud to see the Rotary Club of Geelong East – which is based in the Cheetham Ward that I represent – host these awards.

The club already makes an important contribution by supporting local schools, charities and people fighting cancer, and funding scholarships for Geelong students.

So it was no surprise to see the club put on a fantastic celebration for the Shine On recognitions on May 17.

Inclusivity is crucial to the work we do as a council for our community, so it’s great to see awards like these advancing this cause.

Council hosts its own annual awards promoting inclusivity – the Geelong Awards for People with Disability – each year, in recognition of International Day of People with Disability.

These awards recognise the achievement, advocacy and leadership of people with disability in our community, and the efforts of local businesses and organisations to reduce barriers to employment and create opportunities for people with disability.

While awards like these are a fantastic recognition, they represent just a small part of Council’s broader efforts to build a more inclusive and accessible Greater Geelong.

Our work is guided by the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2024–28, released last year.

With about 55,000 Geelong residents – more than one in five – living with a disability, the need for inclusive planning is clear.

The plan highlights that more than a quarter of people with disability face challenges accessing buildings and facilities.

To tackle this, we embed accessibility into every piece of infrastructure we design and maintain.

We’ve built several Changing Places – specialist adult change facilities – and today, Greater Geelong proudly ranks second in the nation for the number of these facilities, just behind Melbourne.

We’re also constructing an inclusive play space at Rippleside Park, and major projects like the Norlane Aquatic Recreation Centre and North Bellarine Aquatic Centre have been built with accessibility at their core.

Beyond infrastructure, our plan outlines initiatives to increase inclusion, employment and positive attitudes toward people with disability.

While we’ve made real progress, there’s more to do.

It’s essential we continue enhancing our services, facilities and programs so that all residents feel welcomed, valued and supported to contribute fully to our community. Of course, Council can’t do this alone.

That’s why events like the Shine On recognitions and the tireless work of community groups like Rotary are vital in driving change.

Local sports clubs are also at the forefront of these efforts.

Since 2023, Newcomb Power’s all-abilities Aussie rules team has helped more locals enjoy the thrill of playing Australia’s favourite code, while East Geelong’s Try Boys have several wheelchair and all-abilities basketball teams.

Geelong Stars All-Abilities Sports Club, based in Breakwater, is developing all-abilities programs and social nights covering everything from rugby to karaoke, while not-for-profit NDIS provider Leisure Networks is working with a wide range of sporting clubs to create all-abilities programs.

I applaud these organisations for their work to make Geelong a more accessible and inclusive region for all.

For information on the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2024–28 and inclusive sports, head to geelongaustralia.com.au/accessibility and geelongaustralia.com.au/inclusivesports

Cr Melissa Cadwell

Cheetham Ward,

City of Greater Geelong