The Inclusion & Accessibility Award recognises and celebrates businesses that incorporate an inclusive approach for all customers through their business design, culture, advertising, recruitment, training and customer service.
A socially inclusive business recognises that every person matters, regardless of their circumstances.
The Inclusion & Accessibility Award gives customers, staff and business owners the opportunity to nominate and reward local businesses for their inclusive and accessibility efforts.
Criteria
Some examples of inclusive and accessible practices include:
- Setting and enforcing policies, and providing training for staff, so that employees can meet the needs of the community, e.g;
- People with disability
- Seniors
- People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, and LGBTQIA+ people
- Making the business as inclusive and accessible as possible e.g;
- Installed ramps, grab rails and wider doors. Seating layout considers space between tables and height access.
- ‘Rest stop’ seating and quieter spaces
- Visual guides and signage include accommodating font, braille, auditory options, and photos.
- Digital content follows Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0.
- Making sure that service or pay points in your business have reduced noise levels, are clutter free and with portable debit machines.
- Offering fully accessible, gender neutral bathroom options.
- Employing people from a wide and varying talent pool within the community.
Eligibility
This award is open to businesses and non-profit organisations that:
- Is a small business (having an annual turnover of less than $10 million).
- Operates within the Bayside Local Government Area.
- Is not primarily a disability, senior, or immigration specialist service provider.
Entries close Wednesday, 1st October 2025.