All Abilities Advisory Committee seeks new members

THE Surf Coast Shire council is seeking expressions of interest from people looking to be part of its All Abilities Advisory Committee (AAAC).
The committee was formed in 2002 and includes a mixture of community members, representatives from service organisations, council officers and a council representative.
Committee members are appointed for three years.
The AAAC meets six times a year and informs the council on how inclusion and access can be improved in the community. This includes working on and making changes to council’s Accessible and Inclusive Surf Coast Shire Strategic Plan 2014-24.
Shire mayor Rose Hodge said the AAAC’s advice was invaluable to the council.
“Learning more about the first-hand experiences of people with a disability is incredibly important as we strive to create an inclusive community where everyone can participate.
“The AAAC provides invaluable advice and knowledge. I hope we receive a wide range of candidates.”
The AAAC played a role in the recently Changing Places facilities in Anglesea and Winchelsea.
Committee member Janet Brown said influencing projects such as this made being part of the AAAC rewarding.
“The committee has achieved a lot. Supporting council’s application for Changing Places comes to mind as a highlight.
“Since opening over summer, the two facilities have been so important and it’s wonderful to know that people with high support needs and their carers have these spaces.”
Ms Brown said the AAAC benefited from having a diverse group of members.
“There are people from all walks of life and we all offer a variety of knowledge, experience and opinions, as we do our best to support the council’s access and inclusion strategy.
“If you think you may have an interest in joining the committee, please go for it. You might be like me and find it very worthwhile. It would be particularly great if we had more people with lived experience of disability on the committee – that’s what we need.”
Expressions of interest are being accepted through to July 17.
For more information, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/Community/Access-forall/All-Abilities-Advisory-Committee or phone 5261 0600.