Community & Business
9 November, 2024
Home-grown inclusion program expands
A PROGRAM developed by Tablelands Regional Council to encourage businesses and organisations to make themselves more accessible and inclusive is being adopted by other councils and organisations.
The Making Business Better and Every Body Welcome Here campaign, 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.
TRC now has new partners, 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.
“Being inclusive is good for business and this toolkit and campaign were developed with the community to help our community,” Youth and Inclusion Advisory Committee chair Cr Kylie Lang said.
“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.
“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.”
The toolkit is available from TRC and partner organisations, and from the TRC website (www.trc.qld.gov.au/making-business-better-toolkit).
Better Together chief executive officer Laree Verra said her organisation appreciated the support the program offered.
“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,” she said.
Queenslanders With Disabilities Network general manager Steve Coulter spoke of the importance of the program.
“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,” he said.
“Inclusion is not just a community value – it’s good for business.”
QDN engagement lead (peer support) Nicole Taylor agreed.
“Working together is the key. The disability community is one in five people. It’s someone you know. It’s possibly you,” she said.
“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.”
