Northern Beaches Council is to sponsor a special Inclusion Award as part of the 2019 Northern Beaches Local Business Awards, as part of its commitment to foster friendly and safe environments catering for people of all abilities.
Mayor Michael Regan said the Inclusion Award (and ‘Runner Up’ award) will acknowledge those businesses on the Northern Beaches that the public believe best accommodate the needs of all community members regardless of ability.
Members of the public will be able to submit online nominations of deserving local businesses for the Inclusion Award commencing Monday 22 April.
“One in five Australians has some kind of disability, so making your business accessible and inclusive to everyone is as good for your business as it is for your customers,” said Mayor Regan.
The Mayor said the purpose of Council sponsoring the Inclusion Award is to encourage local businesses to “think outside the square when it comes to being inclusive”.
“Examples of inclusive practices may be ensuring that all doorways and walkways on your premises are wide enough for people with wheelchairs or mobility aids to use.”
“Providing a counter or customer service area that is a suitable height for people who use a wheelchair; upgrading websites to comply with current accessibility standards; and training staff in the use of inclusive language are good examples of things can all make a big positive difference in the lives of people with disability.”
Anyone can nominate a business for the 2019 Inclusion Award, including customers, community members, businesses owners and staff. Self-nominations are also welcome.
To be eligible, nominated businesses must operate within the Northern Beaches local government area; demonstrate a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment; celebrate diversity by catering to different needs in the community; and have made physical, digital or procedural adjustments to promote inclusiveness or accessibility, especially where these have exhibited innovation or inventiveness.
In addition to the new Inclusion Award, Council is once again sponsor of the Sustainability Award as part of the Northern Beaches Local Businesses Awards.
“We encourage all businesses that go above and beyond to integrate sustainable practices into their businesses (such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, sustainable sourcing) to apply,” Mayor Regan said.
Nominations for both the Sustainability Award and Inclusion Award close on 14 May 2019 and nomination forms are available on Council’s website .
The Inclusion Award and a Runner Up Inclusion Award will be announced at the 2019 Northern Beaches Local Business Awards Gala Presentation Evening held at Dee Why RSL on 9 July.
For assistance in submitting your nomination, contact Northern Beaches Council’s Community Development team on 9942 2686.
Finalists and winners will be listed on the Northern Beaches Council website and promoted through Council channels.
Media Enquiries: media@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au 9942 2678