- Shire of Pingelly wins top award at the 2024 Most Accessible Communities in WA Awards
- Awards recognise local governments for their commitment to accessibility across five categories
- Awards held during the week of International Day of People with Disability (3 December)
The Shire of Pingelly has been recognised for their commitment to building inclusive communities at the 2024 Most Accessible Communities in WA (MACWA) Awards.
The MACWA Awards, run by the Regional Capitals Alliance Western Australia, recognise local governments for their outstanding commitment to accessibility and highlight the importance of building communities for all to enjoy.
The Wheatbelt shire took out the top award for the significant accessibility improvements made to their council buildings and facilities.
This included installing new ramps, automatic sliding doors, lifts, accessible toilet facilities, additional ACROD parking, new handrails at the bowling green and swimming pool, and the widening of doorways.
The awards were held today during the week of International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD), which is celebrated annually on 3 December to recognise the contribution of people with disability.
The 2024 MACWA Awards category winners include:
- Major Infrastructure Over $1 Million Award - Shire of Augusta Margaret River for the Margaret River Recreation Centre, Nala Waabi Mia (Our Play House);
- Minor Infrastructure Less Than $1 Million Award - Shire of Pingelly for their accessibility improvements to council buildings and facilities;
- Public Open Spaces Award - City of Kalamunda for the Stirk Park and Magnolia Way Reserve developments;
- Services and Events Award - City of Swan for the Accessible Swan Businesses initiative to assist local businesses to increase their accessibility; and
- Employment Award - City of Greater Geraldton Passport 2 Employment program to support students with disability transitioning to the workforce.
The City of Armadale, Shire of Mount Magnet, City of Albany, City of Subiaco, City of Perth, City of Melville and the City of Karratha were also highly commended for their projects at the awards ceremony.
For more information about the 2024 MACWA Awards visit www.waregionalcapitals.com.au
As stated by Disability Services Minister Don Punch:
"As Minister for Disability Services, I'm thrilled to attend the 2024 Most Accessible Communities in WA Awards to recognise local governments that are making our communities better places for all to enjoy.
"This year's winners have delivered some incredible projects and programs to demonstrate their strong commitment to building accessible communities. It was particularly pleasing to see a strong contingent of regional local governments leading the way in this space.
"The Cook Government is committed to supporting inclusive communities in line with the State Disability Strategy 2020-2030. Everyone has the right to live meaningful, connected lives, free from barriers.
"I'd like to thank the entire judging panel, in particular MACWA ambassador Melissa Northcott, and Paul Rosair and Jane Lewis from Regional Capitals Alliance of WA, who have been right behind this initiative since it commenced in 2017.
"By recognising and celebrating our local governments, which are putting accessibility and inclusivity at the core of their service delivery, we can encourage a real movement that sees tangible results and better outcomes for all Western Australians."
