Access for All

Each year Council invites businesses and community organisations to apply for up to $1000 to implement a project to improve access for people with disability as customers, visitors, members or employees.

A new grant round will open for applications between May and June of that year. Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application in September of the same year. Projects and acquittals must be completed by June the following year.

More information on how to apply can be found in the Application Guidelines. Project ideas and examples of previous successfully funded projects are outlined in the Information Sheet. You can download the Application Form for draft purposes, however the application must be submitted through SmartyGrants when the funding round opens.

For more information about planning an accessible visit or holiday to Bass Coast visit Accessible Bass Coast.

Gippsland Accessible Tourism Plan 2019-2021 Summary

All Terrain Wheelchairs
Council provides access to beach and all-terrain wheelchairs so people with a disability can enjoy our beaches, oceans and trails. Please note the Wanderer (usually located in Cowes) is unavailable until further notice.

Travellers Aid provides support, advice and assistance to the travelling public with special requirements or experiencing travel emergencies. Click on link or call 9654 2600 (head office) for more information.

• Cowes Mobility Map
• Inverloch Mobility Map
• Wonthaggi Mobility Map
• Designated Accessible Disabled Toilets Information Sheet
• Designated Accessible Disabled Car Parks Information Sheet (revised Nov 2020)

Changing Places are fully accessible public toilets with additional features and equipment to meet the needs of people with severe or profound disabilities.

If you’re a renovator, builder or developer, here is some practical information on how access improvements to the built environment can meet the access needs of everyone - Tradies and Renovators Guide to Good Access

If you’d like to attract more customers by providing better access to your business, check out this guide for some easy tips - Good Access is Good Business

If you’re planning an outdoor dining space for your business, that’s accessible for all of your customers, have a look at the following information and checklists:

• Footpath Trading Information Sheet
• Footpath Trading Checklist
• Parklets Checklist

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides individualised support for eligible people with permanent and significant disability, their families and carers.

The NDIS provides a flexible, whole-of-life approach to the support needed by people with a disability, to pursue their goals and aspirations and participate in daily life.

Latrobe Community Health Service is the NDIS Local Area Coordination Service (LAC) Partner for Gippsland, including Bass Coast Shire.

For information regarding the NDIS please phone 1800 800 110 or visit the NDIS website.

Latrobe Community Health Service (LCHS) is one of the largest providers of aged, disability and carer services in Gippsland. They offer a range of activities or events for carers to access.

Carer Gateway provides free support services to any person who provides unpaid care to a family member, friend or neighbour with a mental illness, disability, chronic health issue or age-related condition. The local community health provider of this service in Gippsland is Uniting Vic Tas.

Pathways for Carers - are you the carer of a person with a disability or mental illness or an elderly person in Rhyll or Wonthaggi? Come and connect with other carers and spend time outdoors for a gentle walk-in nature.

The Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee (AIAC) is made up of community members and representatives from disability focused organisations across Bass Coast Shire. The AIAC advises Council on access and inclusion issues for people living with disability, and helps in developing solutions. Refer to the Terms of Reference for further information.

Gippsland Disability Advocacy Inc – Bass Coast Advocate. Contact administration@gdai.org.au

New Wave Gippsland – Bass Coast Self Advocacy. Contact newwaveteam@gmail.com

WHO/South Gippsland FOCUS Self Advocacy - Self-advocacy support group. Contact nancypat@bigpond.com