MetroAccess is a key program of the Department of Human Services, in partnership with Local Councils. MetroAccess supports communities to develop new ways of including people with a disability in local community life.

The MetroAccess and Inclusion Unit also provides advice and support for staff across Council to ensure all stages of their planning, projects or programs are inclusive of people with a disability. 

Key responsibilities include:

• increasing community awareness about the needs and aspirations of people with a disability
• advocating and further improving access to Council buildings, services and information
• managing and administering Council’s Community Inclusion Advisory Committee
• ensuring the needs of people with a disability are represented
• advocating to create more opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in all aspects of community life
• work with existing disability support providers to enhance their capacity to provide relevant and appropriate supports in the community

To find out more about MetroAccess, please download the Department of Human Services (DHS) – MetroAccess information sheet.

Current projects

Assisted Listening System

Council’s Assisted Listening System supports individuals who have a hearing impairment to take part in Council meetings and community events.

A range of assisted listening devices are available for use within and outside Council offices – whether you have a hearing aid (with telecoil switch) or have a hearing impairment.

Devices available include:

• a Hearing Loop Pad which is installed at the Customer Service Counter
• portable devices suitable for one-on-one meetings 
• a Phonic Ear Kit for group meetings where one or more people attending have difficulty hearing.

The portable Phonic Ear Kit is also available for use by registered community groups for specific meetings and events.

If you would like to hire this equipment (free) you should read the User Guide Manual and then complete the booking form (available in a PDF or Word version). Please see the Related Documents for a copy of the form.

More information

Metro Access Team: 9433 3355 or metro.access@nillumbik.vic.gov.au

Or contact Council through the National Relay Service and ask for 9433 3355:
TTY: 133 677
Speech-to-speech relay: 1300 555 727
Internet relay: www.relayservice.com.au

Nillumbik community leads the way

The RECHARGE Scheme is about encouraging local businesses and organisations to provide a power point so customers who use an electric scooter or wheelchair can recharge their battery, if required.

The Scheme started in the Shire of Nillumbik in 2006, with twenty-five businesses and organisations proudly supporting the initiative. To date, the Scheme is supported by all seventy-two Councils across Victoria; over one thousand businesses, as well as users of the RECHARGE Scheme service. Over 200,000 hits were recorded on the RECHARGE Scheme website in 2010 (www.rechargescheme.org.au) .

Resulting from considerable state-wide, interstate and international interest, The Australian Centre of Social Innovation commended Nillumbik Shire Council’s RECHARGE SchemeTM through the Centre’s 2010 Bold Ideas, Better Lives Challenge.

You can find a list of RECHARGE point locations across Victoria by visiting www.rechargescheme.org.au

For more information about the RECHARGE Scheme, please contact Angela Lampard, Coordinator MetroAccess and Inclusion on 9433 3355 or email

metro.access@nillumbik.vic.gov.au

Post school options for young adults with a disability

Deciding what to do beyond school can be an anxious time for both parents and students. A factsheet which outlines pathway options within Nillumbik and the surrounding areas for young adults with a disability. For more information contact Council’s MetroAccess Team on 9433 3355 or metro.access@nillumbik.vic.gov.au.

Disability Advocacy Program

North East Citizen Advocacy Inc is a Disability Advocacy program that works in the Nillumbik area.

They provide a voluntary (citizen) advocate for people with an intellectual disability.

For more information contact North East Citizen Advocacy Inc:
56 Gabonia Ave
(P.O.Box 251)
Watsonia South Vic 3087

Phone: 8407 3684
Mobile: 0412 099 597
Email: neca@citizenadvocacy.com.au
Website: www.citizenadvocacy.com.au