Pictured: Councils Events and Community Development Team pictured at the LG Awards with the RH Dougherty Events Communication Award for Innovation in Special Events.
The Hills Shire Council has won a NSW Local Government Week Award for its commitment to breaking down barriers at events so children with disability and children on the autism spectrum can attend.
Council won the RH Dougherty Events & Communication Award for Innovation in Special Events for the Mayor's Christmas Party for Children Sensory Session, which is a special initiative designed to be less sensory stimulating and overwhelming.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Peter Gangemi, said Council's commitment to making The Hills Shire more inclusive was a major priority, and he was proud of the award.
"The Mayor's Christmas Party for Children is a wonderful community celebration that gives our youngest residents the chance to enjoy a free and fun day out at Bella Vista Farm to celebrate Christmas," Mayor Gangemi said.
"But the prospect of long queues for rides, flashing lights, crowds and loud noises can be overwhelming for some children and their parents or carers.
"That's why we introduced the Sensory Session to the Mayor's Christmas Party for Children, which gave children with disability or autism spectrum the opportunity to have free access to the event without crowds, queues and excessive noise.
"The feedback was exceptional, with one mother remarking it was the first time her children could enjoy a ride or have their face painted."
Mayor Gangemi said the sensory session was the result of consultation with community disability service providers and that Council's focus would sharpen even further with the establishment of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan Reference (DIAP) Group.
"Our DIAP Reference Group is providing invaluable insights into how we do things in the Shire, and I look forward to seeing even more inclusivity initiatives over the coming years," he said.
"I'd like to congratulate Council staff who work tirelessly to make our events more accessible and inclusive to everyone in the community."
