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Programs and services for people with a disability currently available in Sutherland Shire

Find out more

Over 10,000 residents in Sutherland Shire reported needing help due to disability, according to the 2021 census. Council encourages and promotes an open, tolerant and inclusive community. Everyone has an opportunity to be heard and thrive.

Disability Inclusion Action Plan

Council is guided by our Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP). The 2022-2026 DIAP was created in consultation with the community and disability services.  It aims to improve the lives of people with disability and moves us closer to an inclusive society for all.

View our Disability Inclusion Action Plan - PDF - 1768 KB

An Easy Read Version of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan is also available.

The DIAP is in accordance with the NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014.

Council is committed to protecting the rights of people with disability. We are committed to promoting the value of diversity and inclusion our community.

Report an accessibility issue

Contact us if you need to report an access issue.

Report an accessibility issue to us

ShireABILITY

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Find out more about ShireABILITY upcoming events and initiatives for people with a disability living in the Sutherland Shire.

Subscribe to the ShireABILITY Newsletter

Oak Park Redevelopment

Arial image of Oak Park building

The iconic beachfront buildings are popular spots for locals and visitors. They have important heritage value.

Renewal work will improve the facilities' amenity, accessibility, and safety while keeping their original character.

The project includes:

  • Oak Park Pavilion
  • Shelly Beach Pavilion, picnic shelter, dressing shelter, ocean pool ramp, and pathways between these structures.

These improvements will extend the life and value of the facilities, ensuring they continue to serve the community for years.

Have your say

To help the Council plan this work and meet community needs, we are seeking feedback on how you would like to use these facilities for recreational activities.

Have your say

To assist Council to prepare plans for this work, and ensure it meets the needs of our community, we are seeking feedback on how you would like to use them for recreational activities.

You can provide feedback until 17 March 2025:

Next steps

Council will review and consider all feedback received. Your suggestions will help inform the development of a draft design for the buildings. When a draft design is finalised we will make this available to the community and seek further feedback. We expect this will be in mid 2025.

Beaches for everyone

We believe beach access is important for everyone and we provide a range of options, including beach wheelchairs and Mobi-mats.

EZ Roller Beach Wheelchair, placed on the sand
EZ Roller beach wheelchair
For use on sand and in the water. Side pontoons allow for a safer stable floatation, while you enjoy the water in comfort.
Mobi-chair beach wheelchair
For use on the sand and in the water. Armrests are stable floatation devices. Generously donated by Cameron Simpson - President of the Elouera Surf Club.
Hippocampe all-terrain beach wheelchair
For use on the sand and in the water. Generously donated by St Vincent De Paul Society.

Beach wheelchairs

Three beach wheelchairs are available at Cronulla Beach.

  • Summer season (September to April) 8.00am-4.00pm
  • Winter season (May to September) 10.00am-2.00pm

Mobi-mats

A Mobi-mat can be rolled over the sand to reach the water’s edge. They can only be used when lifeguards are on duty and the weather and beach conditions permit.

Book a Mobi-mat

  • Summer season (September to April) 8:00am-4:00pm
  • Winter season (May to September) 10:00am-2:00pm

Limited accessible parking is available at Cronulla Beach in front of the lifeguard facilities. Please contact us to arrange a permit.

For more information about Accessible Beaches across Australia visit Accessible Beaches Australia.

Sutherland Shire Council has mobility mat (Mobi Mat) and Beach Wheelchairs available for community use, free of charge. This service is provided for our community because we believe it's important that everyone gets to enjoy the beach and the water.

Accessible toilet and change room

An accessible toilet, change room and shower is located at Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club.

Accessible parking

Accessible parking is available at our beaches.

Libraries

Accessible library

Many Sutherland Shire Libraries are accessible for people who use a wheelchair or mobility device. Libraries also offer audiobooks, eBooks, captioned DVDs, online resources and a Home Library service.

Accessible sport and play

Sutherland Shire offers lots of inclusive sports and recreation programs for people with disabilities.

Sutherland, Caringbah and Engadine leisure centres have some accessible facilities. Sutherland Leisure Centre features an indoor pool hoist, aqua wheelchairs and pool ramp access.

Pool hoist
Sutherland Shire Leisure Centres
Cassandra Crescent Reserve
Playgrounds

We are improving the accessibility and safety of our parks and playgrounds. This includes more accessible connections between facilities and inclusive play equipment. Find more information on accessible playgrounds in the Sutherland Shire.

We are building two regional-level all abilities playgrounds. These playgrounds will meet the Everyone Can Play guidelines for inclusive play spaces. For more information on these parks:

Cooper Street Reserve, Engadine

Waratah Park, Sutherland

St George and Sutherland Disability Interagency

Hosted by Bayside Council, Georges River Council and Sutherland Shire Council. The interagency aims to:

  • increase disability awareness
  • promote inclusivity and accessibility in the community
  • improve local networks
  • create working parties on disability related issues impacting the community.

Interagency meetings are held online quarterly. If your organisation in interested in joining please contact liamhodge@ssc.nsw.gov.au

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