Accessible Services, Information and Features

Our Shire has a range of beautiful places to visit which are accessible for people with disability. To find out more about these places view our Inclusive Tourism page which includes the Bellingen Shire Inclusive Tourism Guide. 

Bellingen Shire Council  supports all residents having equal access to our Council meetings

Our Council Chamber is accessible for people with disability. We have a range of assistive services and technologies available, including:

• accessible toilets
• spaces for people with wheelchairs in the public gallery
• accessible parking spaces in our Administration Building car park.

If you have a request or question about attending our Council meetings, please call us on (02) 6655 7300.

Online access to meetings

We live-stream Council meetings online so you can access them without physically attending. This provides greater community access to Council decisions and debates.

As well as watching meetings live, our webcasting site has video and audio from previous meetings available on demand.

To watch a meeting live, or access the archive, visit our Council meetings page

Our accessible amenities include wheelchair-accessible toilets, ramps, handrails, and designated parking spaces. These features are available at key locations across the shire to support people of all abilities in enjoying our parks, facilities, and community spaces.  

National Public Toilet Map

The National Public Toilet Map website shows locations and details of all public toilets, including accessible features for people with disability.

Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK)

The Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) system is a national initiative that enables people with disability to access locked public facilities, including accessible toilets, Changing Places, and other amenities, 24 hours a day.

The system uses a universal key, available to eligible individuals, to reduce vandalism while ensuring dignified, independent access. By fitting accessible toilets with MLAK-compatible locks, Council supports inclusion and accessibility, particularly for residents and visitors who rely on these facilities outside standard opening hours.

To find out more about MLAK toilets and how to order a key visit our Accessible Amenities page

A beach wheelchair is available at Urunga Lido for people with mobility challenges to enjoy the sand and water safely and comfortably.

The wheelchair features large wheels designed to roll over soft sand and is suitable for use in shallow water.

How to book:

The beach wheelchair is free to use but must be booked. To make a booking or learn more, contact Reflections Holiday Park Urunga or call 02 6655 6355.

Location:

The wheelchair is available from Reflections Holiday Park for use at the Urunga Lido.

Accessibility support:

A support person is required to assist with transferring and use in the water. Please note that the wheelchair is not self-propelled.

The Bellingen Youth Hub is a safe and inclusive place for young people. It has many features to support accessibility.

Visit our page dedicated to Young people to find out what other supports are available in our Shire.

The Community Transport Company (CTC) is a service that helps people who have trouble accessing private and public transport. 

Visit the Community Transport Company website or call 1300 812 504

Find out about other Transport options in our Shire.

Our libraries at Bellingen Dorrigo and Urunga are fully accessible for people with disability. They offer a range of assistive services and technologies including:

• Audiobooks and e-audiobooks
• DAISY Player 
• Large print keyboards
• E-magazines that can be downloaded from home
• large print books
• Keep calm kits
• Hearing loop located at Urunga Library

Visit the Bellingen Shire Libraries page for more information

Many of our playgrounds have accessible features for children with a disability.

Alma Doepel Park - accessible toilets onsite, Auslan sign

Connell Park - Auslan sign

Coronation Park - Auslan sign

Dangar Falls - accessible and MLAK toilets at this site

Our Council pools provide safe, inclusive, and welcoming spaces for people of all ages to swim, relax, and stay active. With a range of facilities including lap pools, leisure pools, learn-to-swim programs, and aquatic fitness classes, there’s something for everyone.

 Bellingen Swim Centre - ramp access

Dorrigo Swim Centre - pool hoist and Platypus pool steps for easy access

You can find more information about our swimming pools here

Council offers compassionate bin service for people who can't physically move their bins.  

For details and application forms, visit the Bellingen Council Waste Forms page or call us on 6655 7300 

Look for the Wheel Out / Wheel In service form.

Our Access and Inclusion Reference Group brings together community members with lived experience of disability, carers, advocates, and service providers to help make our region more inclusive and accessible for all.

The group provides advice and feedback to Council on projects, plans, and policies to ensure that everyone can participate fully in community life.

Get involved:

If you’re passionate about access and inclusion, we’d love to hear from you. Access and Inclusion Reference Group Together, we’re building a more inclusive community.

We provide a Toolkit for Accessible and Inclusive Events to help anyone organising an event make it more accessible and inclusive for people with disability.

See our Events Hub page for more details on hosting an event.

We've created an Accessible Tourism Guide for holiday makers to enjoy travel experiences with ease and comfort across the Bellingen Shire, including attractions, accommodation, transportation, activities, facilities and services.

Visit our Inclusive Tourism page  to find out more about how Council is creating accessible and inclusive spaces and places for people living in and visiting the Bellingen Shire.

Council has a dedicated Community Planning Officer and a Community Development Officer who provide information and advice on access and inclusion issues. To get in touch with the Community Partnerships Team call 6655 7300 or email community@bellingen.nsw.gov.au.

Our Mobility Map helps everyone move around the community with confidence.

The map highlights accessible features such as wheelchair-friendly paths, toilets, parking spaces, and key services. It’s a helpful tool for people with disabilities, older residents, carers, and anyone who wants to plan an easier and safer journey. Explore the map to find the most accessible routes and facilities in your area.

We have created an Easy Read guide for our Disability Inclusion Action Plan.

We are working on identifying other Council documents to make into Easy Read Guides. New Guides will be added when they are ready.

Accessible parking spaces help people with mobility challenges park closer to shops, services, and public places. These spaces are wider and easier to use, making it safer and more convenient to get in and out of a vehicle.

You must display a valid Mobility Parking Scheme (MPS) permit to use these spaces. Council checks these spaces regularly to make sure they are used correctly and are available for people who need them.

If you have a temporary or permanent condition that affects your mobility, you may be eligible for a permit. 

Hearing loops, also known as audio induction loops, are assistive listening systems that help people who use hearing aids or cochlear implants hear more clearly in public spaces. By transmitting sound directly to hearing devices, hearing loops reduce background noise and improve speech clarity.

Hearing loop systems are installed in selected Council venues and meeting rooms to ensure everyone can participate fully in events, services, and public consultations.

Facilities with a hearing loop

• Council Chambers
• Bellingen Memorial Hall
• Dorrigo Community Hall
• Urunga Library

Look for the hearing loop symbol, and switch your hearing aid to the ‘T’ (telecoil) setting to use the system.

The Share the Dignity vending machine dispenses a free period pack containing 6 tampons and 2 pads at the push of a button. It means that women and girls who may find it difficult to access these products can do so without the anxiety and shame that many feel when having to ask someone else to help.

Share the Dignity Pinkbox vending machine at Bellingen Library: 29/31 Hyde St in Bellingen or call 6655 1744

To find out more visit: Share the Dignity vending machine

Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSIs) are textured ground surface features that can be felt underfoot and are there to give pedestrians who are blind or who have vision impairment warning that that there is something ahead such as a pedestrian crossing, stairs or a kerb. They help not only people who are visually impaired, but also act as a safety precaution to all pedestrians. 

Council aims to put tactile ground surface indicators at all new pedestrian crossings and at the entry to key facilities.

Council provides sensory kits to support people with sensory sensitivities when visiting our facilities or attending events. Developed in partnership with BlueSky Community Services these kits include items like noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools and visual supports to help create a more comfortable and inclusive environment. Ask our staff if you would like to borrow one during your visit.

Sensory kits are available at:

• Bellingen Library - Keep Calm box
• Dorrigo Library - Keep Calm box
• Urunga Library - Keep Calm box
• Council Admin reception area
• Council Chamber

If you suspect abuse is happening to someone, or if you’re an older person or a person with disability experiencing abuse, you can report it to the NSW Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline on 1800 628 221.

To use this service with the help of an interpreter, call 131 450 and tell the operator the language you need.

Visit the NSW Ageing & Disability Commission website for more information

People who are deaf or have a hearing and / or speech impairment can use the National Relay Service to contact people using the phone network. Contact details for this service are shown below:

• 1800 555 630 (TTY)
• 1800 555 660 (voice)
• 1800 555 690 (fax)

The Disability Gateway is an Australian Government website that has information and services to help people with disability, their family, friends and carers, to find the support they need in Australia.