Developed a Disability Lived Experience Reference Group

Project statusReference Group Formed
Last updatedFeb 2023

A group of hands placed together in a teamwork motion; wheelchair in background

In order to ensure everything we do is accessible to all our residents, rate-payers, visitors or anyone passing through our Borough, Council has developed a Disability Lived Experience Group. The Borough of Queenscliffe Disability Lived Experience Reference Group is a group of people who represent diversity in our community, understand disability through experience, and can advise and guide Council as we update our Disability Inclusion Action Plan.

The reference group consists of those who have a lived experience with a disability, carers and allies along with Councillors and Council officers. This group helps Council better understand the issues that affect people with disability and then allow us to do something about addressing those issues.

Council put out an Expression of Interest to all those applying to partake in this reference group. From this, Council received 22 responses. Each member was invited to partake in the group, which now meets regularly to help guide and inform Council decisions.

General information

About the Reference Group:

In May 2022, a local disability advocate approached Council with a written proposal asking the Borough to increase its engagement with this community to ensure greater access, inclusion and participation of people with a disability.

In July 2022, a local group of disability advocates and residents spoke with Council and identified that the contribution of lived experience is essential to ensuring not just adequate access, but true inclusion. It sought to ensure that disability rights were embedded into the core business of Council.

At the August 2022 Ordinary Meeting, the Borough of Queenscliffe made a decision to establish a Disability Lived Experience Reference Group.

How the Reference Group will function:
The purpose of the Reference Group is to ensure people with a lived experience of disability have a say on issues that impact their lives. The Reference Group will guide Council decision-making by reviewing key documents, providing advice on major projects and helping Council connect with local communities.

Council will partner with and support the Reference Group. The group will establish its own terms of reference and code of conduct. It will determine how often to meet and how meetings will be run.