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.

These awards recognise and acknowledge individuals, community groups, organisations and businesses building and promoting an accessible an inclusive community.

The Awards ceremony took place at the Urunga ArtSpace, 13 Bonville St, Urunga on the International Day of People with Disability, 3 December 2022 from 2pm-4pm.

In partnership with the Neighbourhood Centres of Bellingen Shire (NCoBS) and the Seaboard Suicide Prevention Initiative (SSPI) Council celebrated with the opening of an art exhibition which showcased the diversity and creativity that exists within our Shire. The Show runs until Wednesday 7 December.

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 Wellbeing Planning Officer, on 6655 7300 or email: community@bellingen.nsw.gov.au

Award Winners