Ian J Cooper Access & Inclusion Awards

The Ian J. Cooper Awards for Access and Inclusion are named after Ian J. Cooper, a local pioneer of disability access awareness and a founding member of the Bellingen Shire Access Committee. Held every two years, these awards recognise and acknowledge individuals, community groups, organisations and businesses building and promoting an accessible an inclusive community.

The next Ian J. Cooper awards will be held on Tuesday 3 December 2024 to coincide with International Day of People with a Disability.

International Day of People with a Disability is a United Nations sanctioned day that aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrates the achievements and contributions of people with a disability.

To find out more about the meaning of the day visit the website www.idpwd.com.au

An Accessible Community

An accessible and inclusive community means creating possibilities.

  • It means being able to physically move around our community and feel included.
  • It means access to buildings, festivals, events and open space such as streetscapes and parks.
  • It means inclusion in arts and culture, leisure, sports, education, employment and social life

For more info contact Councils Community Planning Officer, on 6655 7300 or email: council@bellingen.nsw.gov.au

Award Winners

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

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