Accessible Penrith

The Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) states how we will improve access and inclusion outcomes in our day-to-day business and within existing resources. It also covers how we will advocate to stakeholders within our City to adopt access and inclusion in their work. Find out more about our Disability Inclusion Action Plan for the next four years (2022-2026).

Since 1992, the Access Committee has provided strategic, expert, impartial advice on the development, implementation and review of Penrith City Council’s business. Their input has advanced access and inclusion of people with disability in our City.

Committee members bring a diverse range of lived experiences and professional expertise to advise on a range of matters, including:

• Strategic planning and policy advice across all departments of Council
• Detailed consideration of major development proposals across the City
• Advising staff on relevant submissions relating to State and Federal government policies and legislation
• Overseeing the development and implementation of Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan and Disability Access Improvement Program
• Providing advice to Council about emerging issues relevant to people with disability.

 If you have any questions about the Access Committee, please call Council on 4732 7777 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Membership

Membership applications are currently closed. 

We encourage people from different ages, from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds and gender and sexually diverse people with lived experience of disability to apply.

Terms of Reference

The Terms of Reference for Penrith City Council’s Access Committee can be viewed here Terms of Reference

Penrith Disability Snapshot

Council monitors a range of data sources to inform our understanding of disability in the Penrith community. When combined with lived and professional experience, we can make informed decisions to improve outcomes for everybody.

Penrith faces the same challenges as the rest of Australia in providing adequate services for an ageing population and an increasing proportion of individuals with disability.

The Penrith Disability Snapshot 2021 was created in consultation with disability service providers, community members and Penrith City Council staff to better understand, serve and plan for the diverse communities in our City. It will be reviewed following the release of Census Data in June 2022.

Disability Advocacy

• Support people with disability to speak up for their rights 
• Work on behalf of a person with disability to defend their rights.

Advocacy support can be sought through local providers. To find someone that is right for you and your situation visit: 

• Disability Gateway
• Disability Advocacy Network Australia 
• People with Disability Australia
• Disability Advocacy NSW
• First Peoples Disability Network Australia
• Multicultural Disability Advocacy 

Accessible Information

Website Accessibility Statement

Council is committed to making our website as accessible as possible for all our visitors. Please visit the Accessibility Statement page for more information.

Social stories are a communication tool that supports neurodiverse children and families plan for activities. Social stories use images and words to provide details about what to expect and types of behaviours in social situations.

Council commissioned three social stories to support individuals and families to enjoy local play spaces. Social stories are available for print and download for:

David Currie Play Space, St Clair (pdf and word)

Livvi’s Place, Jordan Springs (pdf and word)

Tench Reserve, Penrith (pdf and word)

Create your own social story

Social stories can be created for a range of social situations and activities. Personalised social stories are a great way to tailor content to individual needs and experiences.

Download a copy of the Social Story Template and follow the tips to create your own today.

If you and your family develop a social story for a different setting and would like to share it with us and the community, please contact the Community Capacity team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject Social Story.

Master Locksmith Access Key (MLAK) System 

Council has installed a number of accessible facilities. They should be open 24 hours a day but, sometimes it is necessary to lock them. MLAK is a master key that fits into specially designed locks and is used across Australia. It allows people with disability to gain access to MLAK-fitted public toilets and adult changing places. The key system is in place to reduce vandalism, keep facilities cleaner and make sure they're available for people with disability.

How to get a key

People with a disability can purchase their own universal key from a local Master Locksmith. It costs approximately $22. Availability is restricted to people who have a mobility difficulty or have written authority from:

• a doctor
• Council or community centre
• a Disability organisation or service provider
• centre management or owner of an accessible toilet that is on site.

To apply for a key, complete the MLAK Purchase Form - word version or PDF version and take it to a local master locksmith.

Locate your nearest Master Locksmith using the Finder Tool

Where to use MLAK

• National Public Toilet Map
• Great River Walk Map
• Accessible Services Interactive Map.
• St Marys Access Map and Penrith Access Map

Penrith City Council has become a member of the Zero Barriers Project. Council is proud to join 12 Councils in New South Wales who have committed to reducing barriers for people with disability and their families at local businesses.

Zero Barriers is a free business and service support project that aims to eliminate barriers for people with disabilities when shopping, using services, or participating in activities in their local communities.

How can businesses get involved?

1 in 5 Australians live with disability, making people with disability, their parents and families a significant market segment. There are plenty of benefits that can bring value to your business when access and inclusion is front of mind. Business can start by taking the FREE self-assessment and sign up onlinetoday.

For individuals and families

As businesses commit to reducing barriers, they are awarded the ‘Zero Barriers Sticker’ Look out for it near entrances to local businesses and explore the Penrith directory.

Find accessible services and facilities such as public transport, parking, toilets, ATMs and kerb ramps in our city centres using the Accessible Services Interactive Map.

Alternatively, you can download an accessible map for St Marys Access Map and Penrith Access Map 

Council has two community buses that are available for use by non-profit community groups based in the Penrith Local Government Area. Buses can be hired during the day, in the evening and on weekends.

Hire fees

• Community Access Bus - An automatic Toyota Coaster, seats 20 passengers plus driver: $68/half day (8am-12pm or 1pm-5pm), $136/day, $107 evening use

• Wheelchair Access Bus - A manual Toyota Coaster, seats 14 passengers plus two wheelchair spaces and driver** - : $62/half day (8am-12pm or 1pm-5pm), $123/day, $95 evening use.

Criteria for hire

• groups must be non-profit making and based in the Penrith Local Government Area
• groups must provide a licensed driver with at least a LR (Light Rigid) licence
• payment must be made in advance of booking
• all damage must be reported immediately
• buses must be returned clean and re-fuelled with diesel.

How to apply

To hire one of these buses you will need to complete a Group Information form (hard copies also available at the Penrith Civic Centre service counter). 

For more details call Catherine Eslick, Community Bus Coordinator, on 4732 8604.

Volunteer drivers needed

• Have some spare time?
• Like to travel and mix with people?
• Have a current LR licence and would like to drive for community groups?

For more details call Catherine Eslick, Community Bus Coordinator, on 4732 8604.