People with a disability

What is this about?

City of Canada Bay is committed to supporting people with disability to be active and engaged in our community and has endorsed a Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) for 2021-2025.
 

Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) for 2021-2025

Download a PDF version of the Plan by clicking here or an EASY read version of the Plan by clicking here. If you have difficulty accessing this document please contact Council's Community Development Team or ask to view hard copy of the plan at Concord Library (60 Flavelle St, Concord), Five Dock Library(4-12 Garfield Street, Five Dock), The Learning Space (30 Shoreline Drive, Rhodes) or Council's Civic Centre (1a Marlborough Street, Drummoyne). 

The plan ensures that access and inclusion are embedded in every aspect of our work — reflecting Canada Bay's commitment to work with our community to celebrate diversity and create an inclusive and accessible place for everyone to live, work and visit. 

The document was prepared with guidance from the community and key stakeholders. It features four themes that reflect community input and planning focus:

• Developing positive community attitudes and behaviours 
• Creating more liveable communities
• Supporting access to meaningful employment 
• Improving access to services through better systems and processes. 

Strategies and initiatives arising from these themes aim to raise awareness of the needs of people with disability, celebrate the diversity of our community, improve opportunities for people to move around our city, raise awareness of the benefits of inclusion and ensure that Council’s systems are accessible and easy to use.

Need more information?

Please contact Council's Community Development Officer or Social Planner on 9911 6555 or email council@canadabay.nsw.gov.au. 

If you do not understand this, visit Council in person or contact the Telephone Interpreter Service (TIS) on 13 14 50 and ask them to connect you to Council on 9911 6555. We will try to answer your enquiries by using an interpreter.

Italian

Se hai difficolta nel capire la presente, presentatai al council, oppure rivolgiti al Tis (Servizio telefonico interpreti) chiamando il 13 14 50 e chiedi di essere messo in contatto con il council al 9911 6555. Cercheremo di rispondere alle tue domande con l'aiuto dell'interprete.

Chinese

如果你不明白這一點，請來到安理會或  13 14 50  聯繫電話口譯服務（  TIS  ），並要求他們向您連接到理事會關於 9911 6555.  我們將嘗試使用一個解釋來回答您的垂詢

Braille bin lid stickers are now available for residents. These stickers are designed to support residents who are blind or have low vision identify their waste, recycling and green waste bins and are part of our commitment to an accessible and inclusive city.

Available free of charge, request your Braille stickers today by emailing council@canadabay.nsw.gov.au or calling 02 9911 6555.

Click here to see a sample sticker.

City of Canada Bay has developed a suite of access maps to help people travel within our villages more easily.

These maps provide information on the location of kerb ramps, seats, traffic lights, bus stops, toilets and accessible parking. 

View the maps for Concord, Drummoyne and Five Dock town centres below.

Related items

• Concord Town Centre Access Map
• Drummoyne Town Centre Access Map
• Five Dock Town Centre Access Map

The City of Canada Bay recognises walking is an important travel mode, both for solely pedestrian-based journeys and also as part of trips for which the main mode of travel is by bus, rail and car. Increasing the proportion of journeys that are undertaken on foot can make a significant contribution to achieving a better quality of life and environment for all. Further benefits can be derived from encouraging walking which include improved health, better environmental conditions, decreased traffic congestion and improved safety. 

Council is currently implementing an accessibility programme to improve access to bus stops. This programme includes the provision of bus shelters, footpaths and pram ramps to an around bus stops. The objective of this programme is to support and encourage the use of public transport.

For more information, please contact Council on 9911 6555.

The vision of the Access and Inclusion Committee is to make the City of Canada Bay a more inclusive City with equal opportunities for residents to be actively involved in their diverse community.

The committee is comprised of up to 10 representatives and its purpose is to:

• Provide expertise and advice to Canada Bay Council to assist implementation of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP)
• Promote access, equity, opportunity and raise awareness of the rights of people with a disability and people who are socially isolated within the community
• Contribute to increasing inclusion of people across all sections of our diverse community
• Support the implementation of Council’s strategies and plans.

Membership to the committee is voluntary and applications will be assessed in accordance with the selection criteria below:

• Demonstrate a high level of professionalism, understanding and experience in access and inclusion principles and how they relate to issues in the Canada Bay LGA
• Have an understanding of Council’s DIAP and associated legislative responsibility
• Be collaborative, inclusive and support a sense of belonging for all people from diverse backgrounds
• Be available to attend meetings and demonstrate a willingness to volunteer time to work on the implementation of DIAP actions
• Represent a diverse range of people, including those living with disability, with integrity
• Reside or work (in a paid or voluntary capacity) in the Canada Bay Local Government Area
• Representatives of political parties are excluded.

Click here to read the Access and Inclusion Committee Charter.

For more information, please contact Council's Community Development team on 9121 0039 or email: CCBCCommunityServices@canadabay.nsw.gov.au.

The City of Canada Bay implements the Master Locksmith Access Key (MLAK) system at six accessible toilets in the local area to ensure that clean, safe and accessible toilets are available to local residents and visitors. 

What is the MLAK system?

The MLAK system is an innovative scheme that uses a universal lock and key to allow people with a disability 24 hours a day access to accessible public toilets. The system is supported by a national on-line map of toilets fitted with MLAK Keys.

Why have MLAK systems?

Easy access to toilets is something that the general public often takes for granted, whereas it is often difficult for a person with a physical disability to locate an accessible public toilet that is open of an evening. Other benefits include reducing vandalism and assisting to keep facilities clean.

Who may purchase a MLAK?

Keys may be purchased from a Master Locksmith. Availability is restricted to people who have a mobility difficulty or who have written authority from:

• A doctor
• A disability organisation
• A local Council or community health centre
• The centre management or owner of a building with an accessible toilet on site.

How to obtain a key

Go to the National Public Toilet Map enter a location, address or postcode into the search. Some accessible toilets are fitted with an MLAK key. The MLAK is a master key that fits into specially designed locks allowing 24 hour access to MLAK fitted accessible public toilets nationwide. You can purchase a key that opens all accessible toilets displaying the MLAK symbol. The key can be purchased directly from a Master Locksmith in your local area or you can complete the order form available from the Master Locksmiths website. To find your local locksmith use the Find a Master Locksmith on the Master Locksmiths website. 

Please note that Council is currently doing an audit of the parks with MLAK capability and reconciling with the national Public Toilet map.

Where can I use the MLAK in the City of Canada Bay?

The following parks have MLAK 

• Campbell Park,  Abbotsford

For further information, please contact the Master Locksmiths Association (03) 9645 9995 or Toll free Australia: 1800 810 698,  or Spinal Cord Injuries Australia on (02) 9661 8855 or 1800 819 775.

For further information on facilities in the City of Canada Bay contact Council on 9911 6555. 

The National Public Toilet Map shows the location of more than 14,000 public and private public toilet facilities across Australia. Details of toilet facilities can also be found along major travel routes and for shorter journeys as well. Useful information is provided about each toilet, such as location, opening hours, availability of baby change rooms, accessibility for people with a disability and the details of other nearby toilets.

Below is a list of the toilet facilities in the City of Canada Bay. Those toilets requiring a Master Locksmith Access Key (MLAK) for use are identified:

Abbotsford

Battersea Park: 
Battersea Street, Abbotsford
Open: 8am-5pm

Quarantine Reserve: (MLAK fitted) 
Spring Street, Abbotsford
Open: 8am-5pm

Werrell Reserve: 
Teviot Avenue, Abbotsford
Open: 8am-5pm

Cabarita

Cabarita Park 1: 
End of Cabarita Road, Cabarita

Cabarita Park 2: 
End of Cabarita Road, Cabarita

Cabarita Park 3: 
End of Cabarita Road, Cabarita

Prince Edward Park: 
Phillips Street, Cabarita

Canada Bay

Cintra Park: 
Cook Avenue, Canada Bay

Chiswick

Blackwall Point: 
Bortfield Drive, Chiswick
Open: 8am-5pm

Campbell Park: 
Bibby Street, Chiswick
Open: 8am-5pm

Chambers Park: 
Bortfield Drive, Chiswick
Open: 8am-5pm

Concord

Bayview Park: 
Governors Drive, Concord

Bent Street: 
Bent Street, Concord

Central Park: 
Davidson Avenue, Concord

Edwards Park: 
Brewer Street, Concord

Goddard Park: 
Park Avenue, Concord

Queen Elizabeth Park 1: 
Crane Street, Concord

Queen Elizabeth Park 2: 
Gipps Street, Concord

Rothwell Park: 
Beaconsfield Avenue, Concord

St Lukes Park 1: 
Crane Street, Concord

St Lukes Park 2: 
Stanley Street, Concord

St Lukes Park 3: 
Gipps Street, Concord

Concord West

Concord West Train Station: 
Queen Street, Concord West
Open variable hours. Toilet is open when station is in operation

Majors Bay Reserve: 
Nullawarra Avenue, Concord West

Park: 
Yaralla Street, Concord West

Powells Creek Reserve: 
George Street, Concord West

Rhodes Park: 
Killoola Street, Concord West

Ron Routley Oval: 
Nullawarra Avenue, Concord West

Drummoyne

Birkenhead Point Outlet Centre: 
Roseby Street, Drummoyne
Open: Mon-Wed, Fri 9:30am-5:30pm 
Thu 9:30am-9pm 
Sat 9am-5am 
Sun 9:30am-5pm

Brett Park: 
Henley Marine Drive, Drummoyne
Open: 8am-5pm

Coles Express Drummoyne South - Shell Australia: 
51 Victoria Road, Drummoyne
Open 24 hours

Drummoyne Park 1: 
Cometrowe Street, Drummoyne
Open: 8am-5pm

Drummoyne Park 2: 
Bayswater Street, Drummoyne
Open: 8am-5pm

Formosa Street: 
Formosa Street, Drummoyne
Open: 8am-5pm

Marlborough Street: 
Marlborough Street, Drummoyne
Open: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30am

Russell Park: 
The Parade, Drummoyne
Open: 8am-5pm

Five Dock

Barnwell Park Golf Course: 
William Street, Five Dock
Open: 8am-5pm

Croker Park: 
Henley Marine Drive, Five Dock
Open: 8am-5pm

Fairlight Street: 
Fairlight Street, Five Dock
Open: 8am-5pm

Five Dock Park: 
Barnstaple Road, Five Dock
Open: 8am-5pm

Timbrell Park 1: (MLAK Fitted)
Henley Marine Drive, Five Dock
Open: 8am-5pm

Timbrell Park 2: (MLAK Fitted) 
Henley Marine Drive, Five Dock
Open: 8am-5pm

Mortlake

Hilly Street: 
Hilly Street, Mortlake

North Strathfield

North Strathfield Train Station: 
Queen Street, North Strathfield
Open variable hours. Toilets are open when the station is open

Rhodes

Brays Bay Reserve: (MLAK Fitted)
Mary Street, Rhodes

Concord Road: 
Concord Road, Rhodes

Mill Park: (MLAK Fitted)
Corner Shoreline Avenue & Walker Street, Rhodes

Rhodes Train Station: 
Walker Street, Rhodes
Open variable hours. Toilets are open when the station is open

Rodd Point

Nield Park: (MLAK fitted)
Nield Avenue, Rodd Point
Open: 8am-5pm

Rodd Park: 
Henley Marine Drive, Rodd Point
Open: 8am-5pm

Below are some accessible transport services available to the City of Canada Bay and Inner West community:

• Access Sydney is a community based organisation dedicated to providing transport options for people who are transport disadvantaged.
• Sir Roden and Lady Cutler Foundation. Established to assist people with disability with transport to and from hospital and other medical appointments. Also provision of mobility scooters and other transport related products/subsidies. 
• Volunteer Associates & of St Ambrose (VASA) maintain contact with the elderly by organising monthly morning tea outings, assisting with shopping on a fortnightly basis using the Council's community bus, and provide transport where necessary for appointments.  
• Bay Rider is a City of Canada Bay bus shuttle service for those experiencing transport difficulties.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) supports people with a permanent and significant disability that affects their ability to take part in everyday activities. NDIS is working with people with disability to identify supports they need to live their lives. The goal of NDIS is to give people more choice and control over how, when and where support is provided and certainty these supports will be there. 

For support accessing the NDIS and to exercise choice and control you can contact a Local Area Coordinator at Settlement Services International (SSI) who cover the City of Canada Bay. SSI now have an office in Concord at 1 Loftus Street Concord and can be contacted on 1800 960 975.

For general information:

Phone: 1800 800 110
ndis.gov.au

Explore your community and meet new people!

The City of Canada Bay offers a program of bus trips for people over 55 years of age who live in the local government area. The aim of the program is to improve social connection and cohesion among older people within the community and contribute to their overall health and well-being. Currently the program has over 60 participants from the City of Canada Bay area.

Bay Connection bus trips are designed for people who:

• Live at home and would like to get out of the house
• Enjoy the company of others
• Find it difficult to attend social events or outings due to limited mobility
• Would like to travel to a variety of interesting destinations. 

The trips operate on Tuesdays and Fridays every alternate week. 

Participants must meet eligibility criteria. The service is not available to nursing home residents.   

Click here to view our current newsletter.

More information

• Bay Connection Information Fact Sheet
• Bay Connection Application Form

For more information please contact Council's Seniors Bus Trip Coordinator on 9911 6555 or email council@canadabay.nsw.gov.au.  

The City of Canada Bay Libraries' Home Library Service provides:

• A personalised service to individuals who are unable to access the library because of illness or disability
• Bulk loans to residential facilities such as hostels, nursing homes and aged care facilities
• Service to residents who provide full-time care
• A temporary service for residents convalescing.

No age restrictions apply. New clients may need to provide a doctor’s certificate confirming his or her eligibility for the service.

We will select items based on your interests and deliver them to your home every four weeks.

If you are interested in this service, please contact our Home Library Officer on 9911 6211.

You may also read the Home Library Policy and print out the Home Library Membership form for next steps.

Carer Gateway is a national online service that provides practical information and resources to support carers.

The interactive finder connects to local support services.

For support and advice call 1800 422 737 or visit their website.

The National Disability Gateway can offer support, information, tools and services to help people live their lives without boundaries and achieve their own personal goals every day.

The Disability Gateway has information and services to help people with disability, their family, friends and carers, to find the support they need. Click here to visit the website or call 1800 643787 for more information.

NSW Ageing and Disability Commission (ADC) 

The ADC is an independent agency of the NSW government, established in 2019. Their role is to better protect older people and adults with disability from abuse, neglect and exploitation in their family, home and community.

The NSW Ageing and Disability Helpline can be called Monday - Friday from 9am - 4pm on Phone: 1800 628 221.

The Commission also supports adults with a disability with website resources to safeguard their rights , community training and more.

People With Disabilities Australia (PWDA)

PWDA  is a member-based organisation that offers information and referral, individual advocacy and impacts by the projects they get involved with.  They support people with a disability to promote, protect, and enact their rights, for free. Additional information about becoming a member and what they do is available on the PWDA website.

PWDA can be contacted by phoning them on 1800 422 015 (toll free).

There are several key initiatives across the City of Canada Bay .

Livvi's Place, All Abilities Playground

Livvi's Place, Australia's first all abilities playground, was named the best play space in the country by Parks and Leisure Australia in 2010 with upgrades completed in 2022.

The ground-breaking playground in Timbrell Park, Five Dock, was an initiative of the City of Canada Bay, Touched by Olivia Foundation and Leighton Contractors, and was developed to reduce the barriers experienced by those with special needs, and allow children of all abilities to play together, side-by-side. Features seating and shade structures , inclusive play space, artwork, cafe and Barbecue facility, snakes and ladders path, wheelchair access, rope climb, synthetic softball, swings and jungle gym.

Where: 19 Henley Marine Drive, Five Dock. 2046

Charles Heath Reserve Community and Play Space

A brand-new adventure playground featuring two accessible play towers positioned high among the treetops. Other features of the playground include outdoor musical instruments, nature play, a 'fish trap' climbing structure, and cozy cocoon for timeout.

Designed in line with the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play guidelines, the playground also features a wheelchair accessible trampoline and carousel, as well as a smooth, soft-fall surface to make it easier to get around.

Where: Queens Rd, Five Dock

Home Library Service

Our Home Library service provides a personal service to people unable to access the library due to illness or disability.

• Bulk loans to residential homes, hostels, nursing homes and aged care facilities
• Service to residents who provide full-time care
• A temporary service for residents convalescing.

No age restrictions apply. New clients may need to provide a doctor’s certificate to confirm eligibility for the service.

We will select items based on your interests and deliver them to your home every four weeks.

If you are interested in this service, please contact our Home Library Officer on 9911 6211. You may also read the Home Library Policy and print out the Home Library Membership form for next steps.

The Lab 

The Lab is a network of technology clubs for young people with autism who enjoy working with computers.

Rhodes

The Lab Rhodes has a focus on technical and creative skills, supported by professionals in coding, digital design, gaming, 3D printing and more. Suited for participants aged 13 to 16, our program encourages social growth in a secure and supportive environment.

All sessions are run at The Learning Space, Rhodes on Thursday afternoons from 3:30pm to 5:30pm for 9 weeks during school terms. Parents are welcomed to stay in the library space where there are workspaces and free WiFi.

For more information and to register visit The Lab Rhodes website.

Five Dock

The Lab Five Dock is designed for young people aged 10 to 13 years of age and offers a welcoming atmosphere for social development, alongside a vibrant mix of technology and fun. 

All sessions are run at Five Dock Library on Monday afternoons from 3:30pm to 5:30pm for 9-weeks during school terms. Parents are encouraged to stay in the library space where there are workspaces and free WiFi.

For more information and to register visit The Lab Five Dock website.

Five Dock Leisure Centre Gymability program 

ive Dock Leisure Centre offers a program that caters for children with disability. The GymAbility program allows participants to target the development of physical abilities in a fun and safe environment through beginner-friendly gymnastics-based movements. 

All participants are required to have one parent/carer supporting and assisting them throughout the class, alongside our qualified coaches. 

Bookings are essential and spaces limited, and payments made at reception. For more information and how to book you can visit the Five Dock Leisure Centre website or phone them on 9911 6300.

For more activities you can review Council's What's On pages .

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