Ian J Cooper Access & Inclusion Awards

The Ian J Cooper Access and Inclusion Awards are held in the Bellingen Shire every two years. The awards honour local pioneer in disability access advocacy, Ian J. Cooper, who was a founding member of the Bellingen Shire Access Committee. 

The awards celebrate individuals, community groups, organisations and businesses that are actively building and promoting a more accessible and inclusive community.

The awards coincide with International Day of People with a Disability, a United Nations sanctioned day dedicated to increasing public awareness and understanding and acceptance of people with disability. It is also a time to recognise and celebrate the achievements and contributions of people with disability within our community.

For more information about the Ian J Cooper Access and Inclusion Awards, contact Council's Community Planning Officer, on 6655 7300 or email: council@bellingen.nsw.gov.au

Award recipients

2024 Awards

Individual Award
  • Kylie Selig
  • Robin Veitch
Inclusion Award
  • Happymess - Business
  • Chrysalis Steiner School
  • Point Break Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
  • Rotary Club of Dorrigo - Highly Commended
Access Award
  • McGregor Gourlay Agricultural Services
  • Dorrigo Butcher - Highly Commended
Ongoing Commitment Award
  • Riverside Holiday Resort Urunga

Awards were presented at a free community event celebrating IDPwD on the evening of Tuesday 3 December at the BMH Studio, Bellingen.

2022 Awards

Individual Award
  • Tony Dudgeon
  • Jennie Farrands
Access Award
  •  Old Gazette Theatre, Dorrigo
Inclusion Award
  •  Rainbow Club - Bellingen Highschool
Business Award
  •  Riverside Holiday Resort, Urunga
Organisation Award
  • The Community Transport Company
Excellence Award
  •  Riverside Holiday Resort

Awards were presented at a free community event celebrating IDPwD on Saturday 3 December at the ArtSpace Urunga. 

2020 Awards

  • Bellingen Highschool
  • Community Transport Company
  • Riverside holiday Resort
  • LifeHouse Pantry
  • Dance for Life
  • Raleigh Hall

2018 Awards

  • Anglican Opp Shop
  • Riverside Holiday Resort
  • Marcel Rodrigue

2016 Awards

  • Bellingen Public School
  • Margaret Hopper
  • YMCA Bellingen
  • It Takes a Village
  • North Beach Holiday Park

 

  

 

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