15/10/2026
As Mayor, I am involved with Councilโs Disability Reference Group which provides me with the opportunity to hear about the experiences, challenges and ideas being shared by people in our community with lived experience. The group meets every two months to discuss accessibility, identify areas for improvement and help Council understand how we can make Port Augusta a more inclusive place for everyone. I really value the opportunity to be involved in these conversations because building a welcoming community starts with listening.
This year an important step forward was Councilโs adoption of the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2026โ2030 a few months back. The plan is available in both a full, and an easy read version on Councilโs website, so please take a look. The plan will help guide Councilโs work over the coming years as we look at ways to make our services, facilities, information and community activities more accessible.
There are also some exciting developments happening in this space, and at present, in our playgrounds. With support from a Julia Farr Disability Access and Inclusion Grant, Council is working towards installing up to 10 universal communication boards in playgrounds across Port Augusta and Stirling North. These boards will help people communicate in different ways, including those who may have difficulty expressing themselves using speech alone. They will provide another way for children and families to communicate while enjoying time together at our local playgrounds.
Councilโs free art classes are another way to encourage people to get involved and connect with others. An inclusive Come and Try Art Day is planned for 16 October at the Yarta Purtli Art Gallery, offering an opportunity to try something creative, meet new people and enjoy a relaxed and friendly environment.
Getting around town is another important issue raised by the group. Members have discussed some of the difficulties people experience with transport services. Being able to travel reliably is essential for attending appointments, shopping, visiting family and friends, and taking part in community life.
These conversations give the group an opportunity to raise issues and explore with us, where improvements may be possible. I would like to thank everyone involved in our Disability Reference Group for giving their time, sharing their experiences and helping Council look at Port Augusta through different eyes. Their input helps us better understand the challenges some members of our community face and identify practical ways to address them.
Changing subject, it was wonderful to see our incredible local Desert Voices Acappella Singing Group taking their voices and talent to Adelaide recently and sharing a little piece of Port Augusta with people along the way. Sponsored by AMPYR as part of their 30th Anniversary, they got to perform in the Adelaide Airport, where they brought smiles to travellers coming and going. The group also performed at the magnificent Mortlock Library, which was a truly beautiful setting for their singing. I am incredibly proud to see our local groups showcasing their talent outside of Port Augusta. Well done Desert Voices, you do us proud.
