Announcements - July 9, 2025
Accessibility made easier in Mildura
Mildura is embracing a new initiative that helps people of all abilities and mobility identify accessible businesses and spaces easily.
NDIS Partner in the Community Intereach has launched the Access At A Glance program in partnership with Mildura Rural City Council, and Mildura City Heart.
The program offers a free, no-obligation service that evaluates how businesses meet disability access and inclusion guidelines. It also provides actionable advice for improvements to enhance the experience for everyone, including customers, visitors, and staff members.
Supported by the School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and managed by are-able, the program involves participants assessing businesses within the Mildura City Heart precinct.
Intereach Co-CEO Yvette Buhagiar highlighted the program’s value for local businesses.
Access At A Glance is a free service and an opportunity for businesses to have a conversation with Intereach staff and SLES participants to gain a greater understanding of how small changes can make a huge difference when it comes to access and inclusion.
Yvette Buhagiar - Intereach Co-CEO
“Being a more inclusive business benefits everyone, not just people with disability. This includes people with prams, temporary injuries, and older people.”
Businesses taking part in the program receive a range of stickers to indicate their accessibility inclusions, making it easier for customers to check if they will have access and support.
“We welcome the opportunity to have a conversation with local businesses,” Mrs Buhagiar said.
“Being an inclusive business means providing products and services in a way that ensures people of all abilities are welcome and treated with equity and dignity.
“It is about an accessible Mildura where everyone feels included, empowered, and ready to shop, dine and explore.
“With Mildura City Heart and Mildura Rural City Council being so supportive, we can see that Mildura wants to be a leader in this space. We really appreciate their support in this partnership.”
Mildura City Heart Managing Director Danielle Hobbs said the assessment of the first few businesses had been positive and she was looking forward to more taking up the free offer.
“One of the key components to this program is the tailored advice that allows a business owner to make considerations around their accessibility and inclusion needs,” Ms Hobbs said.
“It also provides a wonderful opportunity for young people involved in the school leaver program to engage with local businesses, at a time when they are considering their work choices.”
Mildura Mayor Helen Healy urged all Mildura businesses to take up the opportunity.
“We welcome this partnership and the support that Access At A Glance has already received through the Mildura City Heart, and I would encourage all business to think about accessibility and get involved,” Cr Healy said.
“Council has a well-regarded Disability Inclusion Advisory Committee, and we will continue to partner with Intereach to continue to drive the message of inclusion.”
Accessibility and inclusion benefits everyone, including:
- people with physical disability or injury (e.g. people who use wheelchairs, mobility aids such as mobility scooters, walking frames or crutches)
- people with vision or hearing impairment
- people with hidden disability
- carers of people with disability
- people with prams and strollers
- people with a learning difficulty, intellectual disability, or brain injury; and
- people who are frail.
For a free accessibility assessment for your business, contact the Mildura Intereach office, 41 Ninth Street, on 1300 488 226 or visit our website: Access At A Glance – Intereach
Share
