The morning started with a Welcome to Country in the Gumbaynggirr language by Dylan Berger and included several guest speakers including Anna Thompson, Program Manager with Mid North Coast Ability Links who spoke about this year’s theme, Achieving 17 goals for the future we want, and Deb Ryan CEO of Community Care Options who spoke about inclusion.

Entertainment was provided by the Bellingen Bollywood Sisters and The Red Hots from Coffs Harbour Support Services who performed a rocking set as people enjoyed morning tea at the Bellingen Library.

Several of the award nominees showcased the reason for their nomination including Alice Moseby from The Little Red Kitchen for their participation in the Sensory Friendly Safe Spaces Calm Kit project, Gillian Church from 2BBB for footpath modifications, Nancy Sposato, Campaign Director for the Accept Difference campaign and Deborah Snow from CHESS Partners in Recovery.

Councillor Jennie Fenton introduced the presentation of the awards by talking about the life of Ian J. Cooper and the achievements he made not only in the Bellingen Shire but beyond by dedicating his life to improving access.

All nominees received a certificate of acknowledgment with four receiving a highly commended award; The Little Red Kitchen, Kombu Wholefoods and Number 5 Church Street for their participation in the Sensory Friendly Safe Spaces Calm Kit project and Urunga Neighbourhood Centre for their endeavours to improve both physical and attitudinal access.

The main awards were then given out by Councillor Fenton and Margaret Cooper, Ian’s Mum, as follows; North Beach Holiday Park for Physical Access, YMCA Bellingen for Physical Access Feature for their disability access hydraulic lift, It Takes a Village Bello for Community Project, Marg Hopper for individual achievement and Bellingen Public School for Inclusion.  

Bellingen Shire Mayor, Cr Dominic King said “It is thanks to the great work of groups, businesses, organisations and individuals in our community that help improve our understanding of how we can better support people who are different to us.  I would like to acknowledge all the nominees and their efforts to improve access and inclusion and congratulate everyone on a successful event”.

Bellingen Shire Council is reviewing the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan and will ensure that better access and inclusion are high priorities. To connect with any of the organisations involved please contact Anna Joy, Council’s Community Wellbeing Planning Officer on 66557300.