Home-Grown Inclusion Program Expands
Tablelands Regional Council’s (TRC) Making Business Better and Every Body Welcome Here campaign has been expanded to other councils and organisations.
The program, developed in 2022 by TRC’s Inclusion Advisory Committee in conjunction with the community, aims to provide information and resources for businesses and organisations so they can actively welcome and support people of all ages and abilities.
‘Being inclusive is good for business and this toolkit and campaign were developed with the community to help our community,’ said Youth and Inclusion Advisory Committee Chair Councillor Kylie Lang.
‘While many businesses and organisations are already actively welcoming and supporting people of all ages and abilities, the Making Business Better Toolkit provides further tips and hints, and guides others to becoming more inclusive.
‘It’s great we have new partners in our program and we’re proud to be working alongside Cassowary Coast Regional Council, Queenslanders with Disability Network, Spinal Life Australia, NDIS Mission Australia, Better Together, VPG, ECHO Empowering Services and Ravenshoe Community Centre Inc.
‘Businesses and organisations that implement inclusive practices can display the Every Body Welcome Here stickers, posters and social media tiles, which are part of the toolkit,’ Councillor Lang said.
The toolkit is available from TRC and partner organisations, and from the TRC website.
Quotes from Better Together
‘Better Together aims to make our business better by being accessible and supportive of everybody in our community. In partnership with TRC, we have the support and tools needed to serve our community and be inclusive,’ said CEO Laree Verra.
Quotes from Queensland With Disabilities Network
‘As Queensland’s peak disability organisation, QDN is proud to support the expansion of Every Body Welcome Here campaign. Initiatives like this are crucial in empowering businesses and organisations to actively welcome and support people of all abilities. Inclusion is not just a community value — it’s good for business,’ said General Manager Steve Coulter.
‘Working together is the key. The disability community is one in five people. It’s someone you know. It’s possibly you. So, it’s more important than ever for people to know what’s available to them, especially in more remote communities. I would also say, ‘well done’ to TRC and all the organisations involved in this program,’ said Engagement Lead – Peer Support, Nicole Taylor.
Quotes from Mission Australia
‘These partnerships are integral to creating inclusive communities and achieving better outcomes for our future. As the partner in the community, we are excited to be in partnership with the councils and the organisations who are making great changes on the ground,’ said Area Manager Sarah Wilde.