New Framework and Action Plan Strengthen Commitment to Inclusion
Published on 01 October 2026
Temora Shire Council has taken an important step towards creating a more inclusive and accessible community with the adoption of its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Framework 2026 and Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026–2030.
Adopted at Council’s September Ordinary Council Meeting, the two documents provide a clear framework for how Council can consider inclusion across its work and take practical action to improve participation and accessibility for people across Temora Shire.
Mayor Rick Firman OAM said inclusion is about making sure everyone has the opportunity to participate in community life.
“A strong community is one where everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute and feel that they belong,” Mayor Firman said.
“Our new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Framework provides Council with an important lens through which we can consider the needs and experiences of our diverse shire community when we make decisions, deliver services, plan infrastructure and engage with our Temora Shire residents.”
The Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026–2030 sits beneath the broader Framework and focuses specifically on improving opportunities and removing barriers for people with disability.
The Plan is built around four key areas:
- Promoting positive attitudes and behaviours
- Creating liveable communities
- Supporting access to meaningful employment
- Improving access to services through better systems and processes.
The actions in the Plan are intended to support practical improvements across the community, from increasing disability awareness and encouraging more inclusive activities, to improving access to services and advocating for identified service gaps.
Mayor Firman said the Plan also recognises the importance of listening to people with lived experience and working with local organisations.
“We know that inclusion is not something Council can achieve on its own. It requires listening to our shire community, understanding where barriers exist and working together to find practical solutions,” Mayor Firman said.
The Framework and Action Plan were developed following a review of Council’s previous Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023–2026, a formal gap analysis and community and stakeholder engagement undertaken in November 2025.
This included engagement with people with disability, carers, service providers, Council’s Access and Equity Committee and other community cohorts, as well as the Temora Listens: Building a More Inclusive Community survey.
Feedback received during public exhibition has helped strengthen the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, including a new action to seek opportunities for disability awareness and inclusion training in the community, subject to external grant funding. The Plan also includes clearer measures for tracking progress in advocating for improved local health and disability services, with progress to be monitored and shared with the community through Council’s existing reporting processes.
“This is about making sure inclusion is considered not just in one area of Council’s work, but across the decisions and services that affect our shire community every day,” Mayor Firman said.
“We look forward to continuing this work alongside local organisations and our community to identify opportunities, address barriers and help ensure Temora Shire is a place where everyone can participate and feel a sense of belonging.”
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Framework 2026 and Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2026–2030 are now available on Council’s website at https://www.temora.nsw.gov.au/Your-Council/Planning-and-Reporting/Plans-and-Reports.
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Temora Shire Council Media Enquires
Corporate Communications Officer – Elise Hawthorn
E: communications@temora.nsw.gov.au
P: 6980 1127