Zero Barriers local award winner

23 June 2023

A local business has won a special award in the 2023 Zero Barriers Business Excellence awards program which was recently hosted by the Multicultural Network in Bankstown.

The Zero Barriers program, which commenced in 2017, recognises the outstanding commitment of businesses and services to remove barriers for people with a disability when shopping, using services or participating in activities in their local communities. Currently around 27 local businesses in the Hawkesbury Local Government Area are signed up to the free program.

Shine Shed North West, an all-inclusive play centre in Vineyard, is the winner for the category of Regional Council for their dedication to inclusivity and accessibility in the Hawkesbury. (Pictured right - centre: The Hon. Kate Washington MP Minister for Families and Communities, and Minister for Disability Inclusion with (left) Jasmine Searle, and Lauren Wells from Shine Shed North West). Mumma’s Melts - Home Bath and Body, a specialty shop in Windsor, was also a finalist.

The Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Sarah McMahon commended the businesses on their success.

“Congratulations to Shine Shed North West and Mumma’s Melts,” Mayor McMahon said.

“Thank you to all the businesses and services who participate in the Zero Barriers program to help create a world that is fair and equitable.

“Well done to the staff at the Shine Shed North West, who are providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalised,” she said.

“All ability play spaces are so important for people who have grown up with disabilities have never had the chance to truly explore the world in a fun, safe and inclusive way.” (Pictured below L-R: Jasmine Searle, Belinda Colombrita, Lauren Wells, Belinda Reeves representing Shine Shed North West, a subsidiary of McCall Gardens Community Services)

Zero Barriers works with businesses and services across 13 Local Government Areas in NSW to promote disability access and inclusion. The project is funded by The Multicultural Network and is proudly supported by 13 NSW Councils. Hawkesbury City Council is a member of Zero Barriers to encourage businesses to become more accessible.

Participating businesses, services or organisations need to demonstrate a commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for people with disability; demonstrate how the business is adopting inclusive practices and/or improved staff attitudes that go beyond regulatory compliance; and not be an NDIS provider or government facility.

To find out more about Zero Barriers or to join the disability and inclusion program, visit https://zerobarriers.net.au