Good Access Means Good Business awards


Three local businesses that foster a more inclusive community have been presented with Eurobodalla Shire Council's first Good Access Means Good Business Awards.

The awards were sponsored by council's Disability Advisory Committee and presented on International Day of People with Disability and aim to encourage local businesses to welcome, value and respect the involvement and participation of people with a disability.

Winner of this year's award was Ma Barker's Pet Emporium in Batemans Bay for its positive attitude and willingness to employ a person with disability and ensure she is a valued and respected member of staff. LJ Hooker Moruya took second place for being willing to step out of its comfort zone and offer employment to a person with disability, and third place went to St Vincent de Paul Narooma for its friendly, accessible store which also encourages people with disability to become much valued volunteers.

Each business was nominated by the community and presented with their award by Mayor Lindsay Brown during a special morning tea that also acknowledged the Eurobodalla residents who sit on council's many advisory committees, including the Disability Advisory Committee.

Cr Brown says quality service is one of the most important things a small business can offer and it can make a world of difference to how a person with disability is included.

"When the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) rolls out, many services will need to demonstrate that they can cater to the needs of everyone in our community, including people with disability," said Cr Brown.

 "Creating an inclusive community is not always about providing physical access; it is also about being respectful, helpful and flexible and responsive. It is also about offering employment opportunities to a person with disability or going the extra mile to meet their needs."

As well as the winners, the Mayor would also like to acknowledge the seven highly commended runners-up in the  Good Business Means Good Access Awards: Murray St Pre-School, Moruya; Olive Tree Gallery Café (Batemans Bay); Hooked on Books (Batemans Bay); Batemans Bay Soldiers Club; K-Mart (Batemans Bay); Mobility Access & Building Solutions (Moruya), and McDonalds Restaurant (Batemans Bay).

"All of these businesses are making an effort through their positive actions to be inclusive to people with disability," said Cr Brown.

If you are a owner or operator and you would like to attract more customers by improving access to your business, Eurobodalla Shire Council has developed the Good Access is Good Business Guide.

For more information visit Eurobodalla Shire Council