Development of Council’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Framework and Update of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan

Closing Date & Time: 9am,  Monday, 8 September 2025
Contact Person: Shontayne Ward, Economic & Community Development Officer

Background

Temora Shire Council is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and accessible community where all residents, visitors, and staff feel respected, valued, and able to participate fully in civic life.

To support this commitment, Council seeks to:

1. Develop an overarching Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Framework that aligns with Councils Community Strategic Plan (CSP), and will guide our future inclusion-related plans, including but not limited to Diversity Inclusion Action Plan, Indigenous Inclusion Action Plan, Cultural Diversity Inclusion Action Plan, and Youth Engagement Action Plan.
2. Update our Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) in accordance with the NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014, reflecting community needs, legislative changes, and best practice in accessibility and inclusion.

The DEI Framework will serve as the overarching strategy under which the DIAP and other pillar strategies will sit.

Objectives of the Project

• Develop a DEI Framework informed by best practice, legislative requirements, and limited, targeted consultation with underrepresented groups and advisory panels, noting that broader and more in-depth engagement will occur during the development of action plans for each group.
• Update and refresh the current DIAP through comprehensive community engagement, including in-depth targeted consultations, to ensure alignment with the new DEI Framework, compliance with statutory requirements, and representation of the lived experiences of people with disabilities in the local government area.
• Provide clear, actionable, and measurable recommendations for implementation through the DIAP.

Scope of Services

The successful contractor will be required to:

Phase 1: Project Inception

• Attend an inception meeting with Council staff.
• Conduct a desktop review of relevant strategies, policies, and demographic data, incorporating Council documents alongside regional, state, and national strategies.
• Develop a detailed project plan, including timelines, engagement methods, and deliverables.

Phase 2: Community Consultation & Engagement

• With the assistance of Council staff, design and deliver an inclusive, accessible engagement plan that may include:
• • Public workshops and focus groups.
  • Targeted engagement with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, culturally and linguistically diverse, LGBTQIA+, youth, and older person communities.
  • Surveys (online and hard copy).
  • Meetings with existing advisory panels.
• Ensure engagement methods follow principles of cultural safety, accessibility, and intersectionality.

Phase 3: DEI Framework Development

• Analyse engagement findings and relevant legislative requirements.
• Draft a DEI Framework that includes:
• • Vision and principles.
  • Strategic objectives.
  • Governance and accountability mechanisms.
  • Links to future pillar plans (including DIAP).
• Present the draft Framework to Council for feedback before finalisation.

Phase 4: DIAP Update

• Review current DIAP and assess progress on existing actions.
• Identify gaps, emerging issues, and new priorities.
• Draft an updated DIAP aligned with the DEI Framework.
• Ensure compliance with the NSW Disability Inclusion Act 2014 and relevant State and Federal legislation.

Phase 5: Finalisation & Handover

• Deliver a briefing to Council/relevant staff on key findings and recommendations.
• Prepare final DEI Framework and DIAP to be reviewed by Council and put on Exhibition.
• Provide a clear implementation roadmap for both documents.

4. Deliverables

• Project plan and engagement strategy.
• Draft DEI Framework.
• Final DEI Framework (ready for graphic design*).
• Draft updated DIAP.
• Final updated DIAP (ready for graphic design*).
• Consultation summary report including an outline of the process undertaken and lessons learned.

*Note: Graphic design to be undertaken by Council.

Timeframes

• Project commencement by: end September 2025
• Community consultation period: October 2025 – November 2026
• Draft DEI Framework and DIAP to Council: 2nd February 2026
• Draft DEI Framework and DIAP on exhibition: 20 February to 20 March 2026
• Final documents ready for adoption:  7 April 2026

Contractor Requirements

The successful contractor will demonstrate:

• Proven experience in developing DEI and/or inclusion strategies for local government or similar organisations.
• Strong facilitation skills and experience engaging diverse and underrepresented communities.
• Understanding of legislative frameworks relevant to disability inclusion, anti-discrimination, and local government.
• Commitment to culturally safe and inclusive engagement practices.

Quotation Requirements

Quotations must include:

• Company profile and relevant experience.
• Examples of similar projects.
• Proposed methodology and engagement approach.
• Detailed project timeline.
• Fee proposal, including breakdown of costs and any additional expenses.
• Names and CVs of key personnel.
• Proof of current public liability insurance.
• Referees for similar work.
• Travel and accommodation, if required

Note: Community consultation costs, including venue hire, catering and promotion will be provided by Council.

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be assessed against:

1. 40% Relevant skills, qualifications, and experience.
2. 15% Demonstrated understanding of project scope and objectives.
3. 15% Quality and inclusiveness of proposed engagement approach.
4. 15% Value for money.
5. 15% Capacity to meet timeframes.

Submission Details

All submissions must be lodged via VendorPanel by 9am Monday 8^th September 2025.

Questions regarding the RFQ should be directed to Shontayne Ward, Economic & Community Development Officer via email sward@temora.nsw.gov.au or phone 0492 203 457