There are many government and non-government services in the Shire providing assistance for those with a disability. These services range from long-day care, medical services, respite, and home care to post school options and employment options. For a comprehensive list, see the Community Information Directory for the contact details of the various services.
Liberty Swings
The Liberty Swings, installed at Crestwood Reserve, Bernie Mullane Sporting Complex and Balcombe Heights Estate, are an Australian invention that enables people using wheelchairs to experience the fun and enjoyment of swinging.
These swings have become a popular activity with children using both electric and manual chairs. Following the instructions carefully, it is safe and easy to use. The swings requires a carer to ensure that the chair is attached securely and can either be pushed by the carer or, depending on the dexterity of the user, can be manually operated.
Crestwood Reserve is one of the Shire's most popular recreation areas with accessible tracks, barbecue areas and equal-access play areas including a swing with handles for lifting in and out of a wheelchair and a jungle gym with accessible ramps.
There is also an accessible around-about at the Bernie Mullane Sporting Complex.
- The Hills Shire Council trading as Hills Community Care offers a range of services for frail aged person and to their carers.
- Our objective is to support people by maintaining an independent lifestyle whilst continuing to live in their own homes.
- The programs we offer are funded through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).
Visit the Hills Community Care Website
The Hills Shire Council aims for our services, infrastructure, and community facilities to be inclusive for residents, staff, and community members of all abilities. This Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2022-2026, intends to guide better access and inclusion of Council services and operations and reduce barriers for people accessing Council services and facilities. The DIAP actions have been developed taking into consideration council resourcing and budgetary capacity and aims to embed access and inclusion aspects in our daily work.
The DIAP framework covers the following four key focus areas:
1. Positive community attitudes and behaviours.
2. Liveable communities.
3. Supporting access to meaningful employment.
4. Accessible systems and processes.
The Hills Shire Council DIAP 2022-2026 was developed in consultation with Hills residents living with a disability, residents who work in the disability sector, Council staff, and the broader community.
The Hills Shire Council Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022 - 2026(PDF, 3MB)
The Hills Shire Council - Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022 - 2026 (Easy Read Version)(PDF, 7MB)
The Hills Shire Council - Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022 - 2026 (Easy Read Text Only)(DOCX, 3MB)
Previous DIAP:
The Hills Shire Council Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 - 2021(PDF, 3MB)
The Hills Shire Council Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017 - 2021 (Easy Read Version)(PDF, 3MB)
View DIAP & Reports Here
The MLAK is a master key that fits into specially designed locks allowing 24 hour a day access to public toilets. Eligible people - those with a disability and a letter of authorisation from a doctor, disability organisation, local council or community health centre - can purchase a key that opens accessible toilets from the Master Locksmith Association.
Please contact Council for the locations of MLAK accessible toilet on: +61 2 9843 0555.
The Mobility Parking scheme (MPS) provides parking concessions to people with mobility disabilities.
All applications for a new or renewal MPS card must be signed by a medical doctor. MPS cards are only valid for up to six months. Temporary MPS cards can be issued for up to 3 months. MPS application who hold a NSW divers licence are required to have a medical fitness assessment and this is then noted on their licence.
Who is eligible for a Mobility Parking Scheme Card?
To be eligible for a Mobility Parking Scheme card, as person must:
- Be unable to walk due to the permanent or temporary loss of use of one or both legs or other permanent medical or physical condition.
- Be someone whose physical condition is detrimentally affected as a result of walking 100 metres
- Require the use of crutches, a walking frame, callipers, scooter, wheelchair or other similar mobility aid.
- MPS cards are also available to people who are permanently blind.
- Please visit the RMS website for more information, to download the MPS applications for Individuals or an Organisation or to view how to display your permit.
Mobility Parking Scheme Permit Fact Sheet(PDF, 712KB)