A City for Everyone: Inclusive Brisbane Plan 2019-2029 - Outcomes so far
Getting around the city safely
Tactile street signs on traffic lights are now helping residents and visitors navigate Brisbane’s city streets.
Brendon, a young man who is blind, shared his experience, which inspired Council to introduce the signs that feature street names and building numbers in braille and large, raised letters.
Brendon often visits the CBD from his South Brisbane home, and while he is comfortable catching buses, he likes to walk. Brendon told Council he found it difficult to know which street he was on and where he was going.
Although his smartphone’s voiceover feature helped, it was not always accurate and did not provide certain street numbers.
Council began installing tactile street signs at signalised pedestrian crossings (positioned just above the pedestrian crossing button) in 2012. Signs are now in place across the city at locations selected by residents and our partners such as Vision Australia.
"The signs help residents like myself move about safely with confidence, by providing locational information, so I know where I am and how to get where I’m going. They give me independence and mean that I don’t have to rely on the assistance of others."
- Brendon
Welcoming refugees
In 2019, Council became a member of Welcoming Cities, a national network of cities, shires, towns and municipalities that are committed to an Australia where everyone can belong and participate in social, cultural, economic and civic life.
As part of Council’s ongoing commitment to welcoming new residents, the annual Lord Mayor’s Refugee Welcome Ceremony officially welcomes new residents and promotes Brisbane as an inclusive city that values diversity and the contribution of people from all backgrounds.
The ceremony provides attendees with opportunities to network, meet with community leaders, and access a range of programs and services provided by government and non-government agencies.
Refugees who attended the ceremony said it provided networking opportunities with fellow refugees who shared the day-to-day challenges that come with moving to a new city.
Active and healthy classes for all
Each year, more than 130,000 residents benefit from Council’s Active and Healthy program, including the Growing Older and Living Dangerously (GOLD) activities. GOLD is designed to support older residents to be healthier, learn new skills, discover new interests and connect with others in their local community.
From adventure activities to arts, environmental and fitness sessions, there’s something to suit every interest across the city.
"Thank you to Brisbane City Council for providing a smorgasbord of activities for Brisbane’s senior citizens. I am a happy customer of GOLD… this morning I did circuit training at Northgate, tomorrow I canoe at Bracken Ridge and, in the past, I have orienteered, dragon boated, had brain training and used a CityCycle."
- Gina, Northgate
Supporting inclusive sporting events
Council was one of the major sponsors of the 2019 INAS Global Games. From 12-19 October 2019, more than 1000 athletes converged on Brisbane to participate in the world’s largest sporting event for elite athletes with intellectual impairment.
This was the first time the games, which are held every four years, have been held in the Asia Pacific region, showcasing Brisbane as an inclusive major events city.
Athletes competed in 10 sports including table tennis, athletics and swimming, which are internationally recognised and are a pathway to qualifying for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. Brisbane athletics competitor, Alberto Campbell-Staines, was proud to compete in his home town in front of his family and friends, and showcase the city’s accessible sports facilities to visiting athletes.
"It’s an opportunity to shine a light on accessible sport and help like-minded children and adults think ‘look what I could do with my life’."
- Ann from Westlake
Celebrating diversity with pride
Council values Brisbane’s diverse communities and is committed to universal inclusion of all residents and visitors, including our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/gender diverse, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) community.
In 2016, Council became the first local government in Queensland to publicly support the legalisation of marriage between consenting adults, regardless of sexuality or gender identity. Council openly demonstrates support for the LGBTIQ+ community by raising the rainbow flag and illuminating Brisbane’s key landmarks in support of international days of significance. Council will continue to fund key events that acknowledge and celebrate LGBTIQ+ communities.
In 2017, Council was the first local government to be listed on Australia’s LGBTI Inclusive Employers website. In 2018, Council was the first local government in Australia to be recognised with Gold Employer status at the LGBTI Inclusion Awards.
"Council is doing great right now. There was a time when I never thought I would be out at work and it was hard on me. Now I can’t ever imagine not sharing my whole life in the workplace. Council was the first workplace where this has happened and it has changed my life."
- John, Holland Park
Harnessing diversity
Council’s DisABILITY ACTION at WORK (DAAW) program offers a four-month traineeship to people with disability, a key initiative that led to Council being awarded Australia’s Employer of the Year at the 2016 National Disability Awards. This highly successful program gives participants the skills and confidence to go on to further employment or study following their paid placement with Council.
Participants tell Council that the program’s success comes down to confidence. Re-entering the workforce can be challenging for anyone, and not knowing how a team will respond to your needs can be daunting.
The program also provides participants with the skills, networks and confidence to help them to navigate ongoing employment within their chosen professional field.
"The DAAW program offered a supportive work environment and a chance to utilise my skills and build on them within a large organisation. It has allowed me to not only gain real-world experience, but I’ve realised just how much I can contribute to a large organisation like Council."
- Stephanie, DAAW participant