City of Palmerston has released a draft Inclusive, Diverse and Accessible (IDA) Policy Framework to guide future practises for increased community inclusion and representation across all facets of Council.

The IDA framework has been developed with input from local community organisations including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, disability groups, seniors, youth groups, parents, and migrants and refugees living in Palmerston. 

City of Palmerston Mayor, Athina Pascoe-Bell explains that, “as the vision for Palmerston is to be a ‘Place for People’ it is important that we continue to collaborate with, and listen to our community groups to represent all people who live here.

“The IDA Framework allows us to document the ideas and priorities provided by Palmerston community members to continuously work towards creating a place of equal access within our public domains, services and programs.

“We are proud to be leading the way through initiatives such as the popular Drag Queen Storytime and Bilingual Storytime events at the library, our Harmony Day and NAIDOC week festivities, implementing accessible reading options in our book collections, as well as supporting accessible infrastructure design through the installation of wheelchair ramps and parent room amenities,” the Mayor said.

Alderman Mick Spick raised the Notice of Motion for the framework in July 2020. 

“It is great to see the IDA Framework putting next steps in place to ensure we are modern, contemporary and reflective of our community now and into the future,” he said.

Further consultation with the wider community on the IDA Framework is important to ensure Council’s framework reflects the views of the Palmerston Community. The Framework will result in the creation of an updated Disability Inclusion and Action Plan (currently under review), Youth Inclusion and Action Plan, Reconciliation Action Plan and Family, Seniors and Children Plan for Palmerston. 

City of Palmerston will be conducting further consultation with the community. Feedback from individuals or community groups on the plan, is encouraged through the following avenues:

• Complete the online form found here or,
• Register your interest in participating in a community feedback session by emailing: palmerston@palmerston.nt.gov.au

-ENDS-