Accessible Penrith

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Penrith City Council (02) 4732 7777 (02) 4732 7958 council@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au 601 High St Penrith NSW 2750 Australia
Accessible Penrith

Penrith City is transforming, bringing new opportunities to meet our communities’ needs and aspirations. It is important that everyone can share in this positive future. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible City for everyone.

Disability Inclusion Action Plan

Disability Inclusion Action Plans (DIAP) are a legislated requirement for councils in NSW that provide a framework to improve access and inclusion across the state. There are 4 focus areas that provide the foundation for these plans and guide the actions and priorities we’ve set for Penrith. 

  • Focus area 1: Developing positive community attitudes and upholding the rights of people with disability. 
  • Focus area 2: Creating liveable and safer communities. 
  • Focus area 3: Supporting access to meaningful employment and independence.  
  • Focus area 4: Improving access to mainstream services through better systems and processes. 

Penrith Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan outlines 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.  

Council’s role in delivering the DIAP includes being a: 

  • Planner: Understanding community needs and expectations now and into the future, and planning to harness growth and investment to deliver positive community outcomes for all. 
  • Provider: Delivering inclusive programs, services, facilities and events. 
  • Partner: Harnessing the collective resources of the community service sector and other key stakeholders to meet the challenges of the City. 
  • Advocate: Promoting the needs of people living with disability to other agencies and authorities. 
  • Capacity builder: Developing relationships, sharing learnings and building skills with the local community sector, local employers and major industries. 
  • Regulator: Monitoring compliance with conditions set out in our Development Control Plan and other legislation. 

 

Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026

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.

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

Membership applications for the Access Committee 2026–2029 term will be opening week commencing Monday 26 January 2026.

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.

Access Committee details — a PDF and Word document version are available to review.

Application form: Apply via Microsoft Forms.

Terms of Reference — a PDF and Word document version are available to review.

If you have any questions or require assistance completing this application, contact Jacqueline Newsome, Community Resilience Program Manager on 4732 7406 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Terms of Reference — a PDF and Word document version are available to review.

Accessible services and facilities

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: $80/half day (8am-12pm or 1pm-5pm), $160/day, $125 evening use
  • Wheelchair Access Bus - A manual Toyota Coaster, seats 14 passengers plus two wheelchair spaces and driver** - : $73/half day (8am-12pm or 1pm-5pm), $144/day, $112 evening use.

Criteria for hire

  • hirers must be non-profit community, service or social groups based in the Penrith Local Government Area
  • groups must provide a licensed driver with at least a LR (Light Rigid) licence
  • buses cannot be used for travel beyond 100km from Penrith
  • buses cannot be used for overnight trips
  • drivers must adhere to safety procedures
  • 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 Alex Dwyer Executive Support Officer, on 4732 7486 or email .

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.

Communication boards are simple visual tools that use pictures, symbols and words to help people communicate. They support people to make choices, express needs, share information and show how they are feeling.

As a form of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), communication boards can help people who are nonverbal, have limited speech, or find visual information easier to understand to communicate and engage with others. By making communication more accessible, we can help create welcoming and inclusive spaces for everyone.

Penrith City Council, in partnership with Fernhill School, has developed two communication boards for Livvi’s Place and Regatta Park. Council is committed to expanding this inclusive communication tool across other parks and playspaces.

Livvi’s Place communication board

Regatta Park communication board

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 
David Currie Playspace Social Story - Word

David Currie Playspace Social Story - PDF

Livvi’s Place, Jordan Springs

Livvi's Place Social Story - Word

Livvi's Place Social Story - PDF

Tench Reserve, Penrith

Tench Reserve Social Story - Word

Tench Reserve Social Story - PDF

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 with the subject Social Story.

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 online today.

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.

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

Master Locksmith Access Key (MLAK) System 

MLAK is a universal master key that fits into specially designed locks to allow people with disability access to public facilities 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including wheelchair accessible toilets, adult change facilities and Liberty swings. The key system is in place to reduce vandalism, keep facilities cleaner and make sure they're available for people with disability.

Master Locksmith Access Keys (MLAK) are available from Council to eligible residents of Penrith Local Government Area at no cost. Applications are restricted to people living with disability with a limit of one key per applicant. The key is not transferable.

You will need to submit one of the following documents with your application: 

  • Mobility Parking Permit 
  • Disability Card or similar 
  • Letter from your doctor 
  • Letter from a disability organisation 

To apply in person, you can approach Council on 601 High Street Penrith 2750. Alternatively, you can down load the MLAK Application Form and send it to

 

For further information, please contact Penrith Council on 4732 7777.

If you have a hearing or speech impairment You can contact us using the National Relay Service.

TTY/voice calls: 13 36 77

Speak and listen: 1300 555 727

SMS: 0423 677 767

Internet relay users

If you need an interpreter or translation service

Call Translating and Interpreting Services (TIS National) on 13 14 50-

The service covers more than 150 languages and there is no charge for using it.

Not all public toilets can be opened with a MLAK key. Locations where MLAK can be used are found on:

Locate your nearest Master Locksmith using the Finder Tool

For more information on the MLAK system phone Council’s Customer Service on 4732 7777.

Disability Advocacy

Advocacy is important to protect the human rights of people with disability. Advocates can: 
  • 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: 

For advocacy relating to housing, contact the Western Sydney Tenants’ Service.

One Community, Many Abilities

Join us in celebrating the diverse abilities of all individuals in Penrith!

Our community thrives when everyone is given the chance to share their talents and skills. Here’s your opportunity to discover more about the lives of people living with disability and the wonderful diversity they bring to our City. 

Let’s make Penrith a place where EVERYONE is celebrated.

Julian's Story

Julian, a talented architectural designer, finds joy in not only designing structures but also showcasing his athletic prowess through powerchair football in his leisure time, revealing his passion for sports.

Among his many achievements, he fondly recalls the creation of a stunning light installation at Vivid Sydney, a testament to his creativity and vision.

Julian lives with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia and relying on a mobility wheelchair, his determination knows no bounds. Currently, he channels his architectural expertise into running a thriving 3D printing business, where innovation meets his entrepreneurial spirit, pushing boundaries and inspiring others along the way.

Lauren's Story

Lauren gracefully balances being a busy mother of three boys with two part-time roles that she deeply cherishes: deaf sports and helping members of the community as a support worker.

One of her sons has a mild intellectual disability, while another is unilaterally deaf, highlighting the importance of awareness and understanding of different abilities.

Reflecting on her bustling routine, Lauren shares that her name in sign language ironically means 'late' which often rings true as her kids occasionally miss the school bus, due to her delay in getting them ready for the day.

As a deaf person, Lauren advocates for greater inclusivity and emphasises the significance of attitudes towards individuals with disabilities, underscoring her commitment to fostering a more inclusive society.

Madeleine's Story

For Madeleine, a normal day involves juggling many roles: a general manager, radio show host, homeschooling parent, celebrant, board member, theatre maker, and the visionary founder of a theatre company tailored specifically for neurodivergent individuals.

Madeleine, who identifies as being on the autism spectrum and having ADHD, hopes for broader community recognition that appearances can be deceiving, especially when living with a hidden disability where internal struggles often remain unseen.

Madeleine is driven not just by personal ambition but also by a desire for her neurodivergent child to feel empowered.

Jesse's Story

Jesse, a passionate wheelchair rugby league player with aspirations of becoming a personal trainer, finds joy in the gym and being outdoors with his younger siblings, where they bond over fresh air and exercise by the river. Using a wheelchair, Jesse's resounding message to the world is one of unity and resilience – he firmly believes that despite differences in ability, we are all equals, capable of achieving the same feats.

Jesse demonstrates his remarkable athleticism but also his determination on the field.

Jesse's journey serves as a powerful testament to the boundless spirit and resilience inherent within each person, regardless of physical limitations.

Marley's Story

Marley, a rising star on YouTube and TikTok, proudly serves as a valued employee at Kelly's Kitchen in Penrith Panthers. Alongside his best friend Sean, Marley finds joy in cooking, cherishes time spent with friends, and dreams of one day creating his own movie masterpiece.

Navigating life with Down Syndrome, Marley utilises his growing media platform to uplift and advocate for people living with disabilities, offering support and inspiration to his friends and fans alike.

His dual roles at Kelly's Kitchen and online demonstrate his vibrant engagement within the community. Marley's presence not only enriches the lives of those around him but also serves as a beacon of inclusivity and acceptance.

By embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity, communities can collectively work towards building a more compassionate and supportive environment for all residents, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds. Marley's journey reminds us of the profound impact that individuals like him can have in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone.