FAQs
- People with disability
- People with access requirements
- Carers and support people
- Parents and family members
- Advocates
- Community members with relevant lived experience
- Organisation representatives
- Accessible public spaces
- Council buildings and facilities
- Community programs and events
- Communication and information access
- Planning and development projects
- Council policies and strategies
- Online surveys
- Workshops and forums
- Discussion boards
- Document reviews
- Polls and prioritisation exercises
- One-on-one conversations
- Written submissions
- What was asked
- How feedback was used
- Decisions that were made
- What changes resulted from community input
- Easy read information
- Large print documents
- Physical accessibility accommodations
- Support person attendance
- Flexible participation options
What is the East Gippsland Disability Network?
The East Gippsland Disability Network is a group of people with disability, carers, family members, advocates and others with lived experience who provide feedback to Council on projects, services, policies and decisions that may affect accessibility and inclusion.
Why is Council creating this network?
Council wants to hear directly from people with lived experience to help identify barriers, improve accessibility and make more inclusive decisions across the shire.
Who can join?
The network is open to:
Do I need a formal diagnosis to participate?
No. The network values lived experience and aims to be inclusive rather than restrictive. People who experience barriers to access or participation are encouraged to apply.
How do I join the network?
You can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) on this YourSay page. Council will review applications and contact successful applicants.
What kind of topics will I be asked about in the newtwork?
Topics may include:
How often will I be contacted?
Opportunities will be shared as projects arise throughout the year on the East Gippsland Disability Network online hub. You can participate as much or as little as you choose.
What types of engagement activities will be on the East Gippsland Disability Network hub?
There will be a range of different opportunities to participate in the online hub, some of them may include:
Will my feedback make a difference?
Yes. Feedback will be used to help inform Council decisions, shape projects, identify barriers and improve services. Council is committed to explaining how community feedback has influenced outcomes.
How will I know what happened with my feedback?
We will provide project updates as they happen, and you will be able to read these through the East Gippsland Disability Network online hub. Some of the updates may include:
Can I participate if I need support or adjustments?
Yes. We are is committed to making participation as accessible as possible and encourages participants to let us know about any access requirements.
What accessibility supports may be available?
Depending on individual needs, supports may include:
Do I need to attend meetings?
No. There will be a variety of ways to participate, including online engagement opportunities. Some members may also choose to attend in-person forums or workshops when scheduled.
Will there be face-to-face events?
Yes. We propose holding facilitated forums during the year, which may be in-person, online or hybrid.
What if I don't use a computer regularly?
We recognise that not everyone engages online in the same way and will seek to support participation wherever possible.
Can organisations or service providers be involved?
Yes. Service providers and organisation representatives may be involved where appropriate, alongside people with lived experience.
Will my personal information be kept private?
Yes. Participant information will be securely managed by us. Feedback may be anonymised in reporting, and participants can use unique usernames in online discussions.
What happens after I submit my expression of interest?
We will review expressions of interest as they are received to ensure applicants meet the eligibility requirements. Successful applicants will receive an email invitation with access to the closed hub forum.