WEBINAR | Disability Inclusion Series no. 1: Education, Employment and Community Attitudes

Local governments are uniquely placed to drive disability inclusion through employment, education and community leadership. People with disability are residents, ratepayers, employees and active community members who interact with council services every day. But unclear roles and responsibilities across local, state and Commonwealth governments along with unconscious bias and constrained resources can limit progress.

View the webinar presentations:

Preventing Everyday Harm and Improving Community Attitudes | Professor Sally Robinson, Flinders University

Introduction to the Disability Inclusion Community of Practice | Alexandra Bignell, City of Casey (Victoria)

Employment, Education & Community Attitudes: Why They Matter | Haley Zilberberg, City of Maribyrnong (Victoria)

Local Government Challenges and Solutions

Education: Cyndi Neuzerling, City of Playford (South Australia)

Employment: Scott Taylor, City of Ryde (New South Wales)

Community Attitudes: Erika Everitt, City of Stirling (Western Australia)

This practical webinar explored how councils can move from intent to impact across three key challenges:

• Challenge 1: Education – Unclear Roles and Responsibilities
  What is local government’s role in lifelong learning and inclusion?
• Challenge 2: Employment – Addressing Unconscious Bias
  From advertising and interview processes to job design and workplace supports, councils influence both internal employment practices and local labour markets.
• Challenge 3: Community Attitudes – Leadership, Participation and Visibility
  How can councils shift attitudes and demonstrate the return on social investment? This session will explore visible leadership, inclusive representation and meaningful participation in civic life.

Disability Inclusion Webinar Series

Webinar 1 – Education, Employment & Community Attitudes
How councils can influence education and employment outcomes, shift community attitudes, and address barriers using local programs and partnerships.

Webinar 2 – Safety, Justice, Gender Equality & Emergency Management
Local government’s role in creating safer, fairer communities and ensuring emergency management practices are inclusive and accessible.

Webinar 3 – Housing, Homelessness & Community Supports
How councils contribute to accessible housing, homelessness prevention, and strong community support systems, featuring practical, evidence‑based examples.

Webinar 4 – Participation, Community Life & the Built Environment
Strengthening participation, inclusion, and universal design in local environments through planning, community engagement, and infrastructure design.