Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2020-2025
A key goal of all Local Governments is to build strong communities. Strong communities are friendly and welcoming places where everyone can experience a sense of belonging, feel valued, and make their contribution.
The overarching goal of the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) is to provide equitable access and inclusion to all services, facilities, functions, and information provided by the Shire of Esperance by identifying and addressing barriers that restrict or prevent the full participation of people with a disability.
The concept of “equity” means the Shire of Esperance is working toward an environment where people with a disability, their carers, and families can access and participate in all aspects of community life without having to contend with unreasonable or unnecessary barriers.
Addressing the issues that affect people with a disability is not an easy task; the Shire of Esperance is committed to working toward equity for all members of the community. This DAIP provides guidance to the Shire of Esperance on issues within the community and how to overcome them to promote inclusivity for all.
We encourage you to read the Shire of Esperance Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2025-2030.
Read or Download the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan here
A hard copy can be requested by emailing shire@esperance.wa.gov.au or calling (08) 9071 0666, and collected from the Administration Building on Windich Street.
Expressions of Interest - Disability Access and Inclusion Plan Reference Group (DAIP).
Have you ever wished you could help make Esperance a more welcoming, accessible and inclusive place for everyone? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!
The Shire of Esperance is looking for community members to join the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) Working Group. This Group brings together community members, Councillors, representatives from local organisations and Shire staff to look at ways to improve access and inclusion across Esperance.
Why should you join?
The simple answer? Because your voice matters.
The DAIP Working Group is a chance to share your experiences, ideas and suggestions to help improve access and inclusion in our community.
You don’t need any special qualifications or experience. We welcome people who:
- Live with disability
- Care for someone with disability
- Work in the disability sector
- Support accessibility and inclusion
- Want everyone to have equal opportunities to take part in community life
If you care about making Esperance more accessible and inclusive, we'd love to hear from you.
What Does the Working Group Do?
The DAIP Working Group provides feedback and advice on issues that affect access and inclusion in our community.
Members discuss topics such as:
- How accessible Shire facilities, services and public spaces are
- What improvements are needed
- How to encourage more people to participate in community activities
- Ways to remove barriers that make it harder for people to access services and spaces
- Community awareness and advocacy initiatives
- Future accessibility priorities
You’ll be asked for your opinion on topics such as the services the Shire offers, how to cater to everyone at Shre events, and access to and use of Shire managed areas (such as beaches, parks and street parking) and buildings such as the Library, Visitors Centre and Bay of Isles Leisure Centre.
In short, the group helps make sure different community voices are heard when decisions about accessibility and inclusion are being made.
How to Apply
Complete the Council Committee and Working Group Nomination Form and submit it via:
Please note that submitting a nomination does not guarantee appointment to the Working Group. Nominations will be considered based on eligibility and the needs of the group.
Help Create a More Inclusive Esperance
A strong community is one where everyone feels they belong and can take part.
By joining the DAIP Working Group, you can help make sure people of all abilities feel welcome, supported and included in Esperance.
If access and inclusion matter to you, consider nominating. Your voice can help make a real difference.
Who will be on the Working Group?
The group will be comprised of the following Shire and community representatives:
- Community Members: The community will be represented by up to three community members with relevant interest and experience (to be appointed following expressions of interest being called for).
- Community Organisations: Up to three relevant community organisations will be represented by one representative from each (to be appointed following expressions of interest being called for).
- Elected Members: The Council will be represented by at least one Councillor
- Shire Staff: Shire staff will be represented by at least one staff member from a relevant area of each directorate.
- The Reference Group will be chaired by a Shire of Esperance staff member chosen from within the group.
Additional technical staff and guests may be invited to attend meetings with the permission of the Reference Group chairperson, however meetings are not open to attendance by the general public.
The Reference Group will meet on a quarterly basis. As part of each meeting, the group will assist to develop and then review the progress of an annual implementation plan drawn up from the strategies within the DAIP.
Please note that expressions of interest close at the end of September 2026.
For more detailed information about the DAIP Reference Group, please click through and read the terms of reference below.