Access and inclusion
Disability Services
We are committed to ensuring that the Tamworth region is accessible and inclusive for all people with a disability.
Council provide a range of support services and assistance for people with a disability.
The Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017-2021 (Ext. 2023)
The NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014 requires local governments to develop a Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) to help remove barriers and enable people with a disability to participate fully in their communities.
Developing, implementing and monitoring the Tamworth Regional Council Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017-2021 (Ext. 2023) (PDF 752.1KB) assists Council in delivering improved services, facilities and programs to support people with a disability and their carers over the next four years.
Disability Action Working Group (DAWG)
This working group guides, monitors and evaluates the implementation of the Disability Action Plan and provides strategic advice to Council on access issues.
Mobility Maps
The Tamworth Mobility Map (PDF 166.3KB) shows access to buildings and pathways as well as accessible services and facilities for those with reduced mobility in the Tamworth CBD.
You can find print versions of the Tamworth Mobility Map at the Tamworth Community Centre, Tamworth Regional Library and all council Customer Service Centres . Braille, audio, tactile and large print versions of the map can be sourced from the Tamworth Library.
The following maps are now available for our regional towns - Barraba Mobility Map (PDF 171.9KB), Kootingal Mobility Map (PDF 118.4KB), Manilla Mobility Map (PDF 123.3KB) and Nundle Mobility Map (PDF 114.3KB). Printed copies of the maps are available at all Customer Service Centres, branch libraries and Information Centres.
Changing Places Facility and Accessible Transport Hub
The Changing Places and Accessible Transport Hub is located in the heart of the Tamworth CBD’s at Bicentennial Park.
The Accessible Transport Hub provides convenient accessible parking for residents and community transport service providers and weather protection, while the Changing Places Facility, helps many residents living with a chronic illness, disability or those in advanced age feel more comfortable to visit the CBD.
Residents and visitors with a Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) are able to access the facility. This is a nationally used key that allows Australia's disabled community to access specialised equipment while preventing vandalism.
An MLAK can be ordered from the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia Ltd by completing the MLAK order form. The key can be purchased by people with disabilities, their carers, assistants and support workers, and Changing Places facility owners. For more information about the MLAK system, or to get a MLAK applications form visit the Master Locksmith Association of Australasia website: http://www.masterlocksmiths.com.au/mlak/
You can provide feedback on the facility here.
Community Access
Council have a number of resources and initiatives to help make accessing community facilities and events as easy as possible for people with a disability and their carers.
- For a quick guide to accessible accommodation, recreation and sporting facilities, accessible toilets and disabled parking locations throughout Tamworth, please download Tamworth Access Guide (PDF 309.1KB).
- Council accepts The Companion Card at Council events and venues. The Companion Card is for those people who are unable to attend community venues and activities without a companion to provide care. Those that have a Companion Card and who purchase tickets to Council events and venues are able to being their carer for free. Please contact the venue or provider prior to the event to advise them of you needs.
- A Master Locksmiths Key (MLAK) provides people with a disability (or their carer) access to adaptive playground equipment and other public facilities around Australia. A great example of one such facility is the Liberty Swing, located in Anzac Park. MLAKs can be purchased from any business that is a Master Locksmiths Association of Australia member. You will need to provide sufficient evidence such as a letter from a doctor, disability organisation, disability card or parking permit.