Disability Access and Inclusion

People playing basketball in wheelchairs in NewcastleA Caring and Inclusive Community

Each year City of Newcastle (CN) highlights and celebrates disability inclusion on 3 December as part of International Day of People with Disability, but throughout the year we are working every day to make Newcastle a liveable, sustainable, and inclusive global city.

CN's Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026 outlines the 35 actions we are currently working on in response to community consultation.

Demonstrating positive attitudes and behaviours towards disability and to people with disabilities is just one factor in creating an inclusive community, we are also building and improving inclusive public spaces and places for all. 

View an update on the delivery of our Disability Inclusion Action Plan 


Now Available - FREE Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK)

A Master Locksmiths Access Key, known as a MLAK is a universal master key that fits into specially designed locks to allow people with disabilities and others access to public facilities 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including wheelchair accessible toilets, adult change facilities and Liberty swings. 

The key system is in place to reduce vandalism, keep facilities cleaner and make sure they're available for people with disability.

 Eligible residents can access one free key from City of Newcastle by contacting our Customer Service Centre on 4974 2000 or visit here for more details about engaging with City of Newcastle.

To be eligible you will need to have one of the following:

  • Mobility Parking Permit
  • Disability Support Pension Card or similar
  • Letter from your Doctor
  • Letter from a Disability Organisation


New Directory Launched

In May 2026 City of Newcastle launched an Inclusive Sport, Arts and Recreation Directory making it easier to find activities and organisations that are leaning into inclusion. View the Directory.

 

Are you delivering inclusive sport or recreational activities?

List your activity in My Community Directory and/or on My Community Diary to inform the community.

  

Resources-Sports Inclusion

Two resources developed by Northcott Childhood Community Capacity Building Team are available encouraging and assisting our community to deliver more inclusive sport and recreational opportunities for and with people with disability. 

Inclusion in Play and Sport

-Resources for Sports Clubs and Recreational Organisations

-Resource Pack for Families


Access Inclusion Standing Committee

City of Newcastle has an Access Inclusion Committee. The Committee assists with the implementation of our Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026 and also provides advice on local matters related to disability inclusion in Newcastle.

Committee Membership

Councillor Members:  

Cr Dr Elizabeth Adamczyk (Co-Chair) 

Cr Siobhan Isherwood

Cr Mark Brooker

This committee also has a co-chair selected from the community membership from the below members.  


Representatives from Stakeholder Organisations: 

Naomi Curry (Community Disability Alliance Hunter)

Dominic Freestone (Life Without Barriers)

Corey Balfoort (Castle-Employment Service)


Community Representatives:

Amanda Robertson 

Eliot Shaw (Co-Chair)

Belinda Burford

Claire Bortholli


For further information about Committees at City of Newcastle visit our Advisory Committee's page.

If you would like to provide access and inclusion related feedback about our local infrastructure, programs or services please click here

Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026

Council adopted the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026 on February 22, 2022. The next four years will see CN work with the community and other stakeholders to deliver on the 35 actions of the DIAP.

The Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026 was prepared in accordance with s.12 of the NSW Disability Inclusion Act and outlines how Council will contribute to making Newcastle a more inclusive and accessible city for everyone.

You can access the 2022-2026 plan in a variety of formats by clicking on the links below.

If you require a copy of the plan in an alternative format other than listed below, contact us on:

Phone: 02 4974 2000

Email: [email protected]