A Manjimup committee aims to increase access and inclusion in through education and communication signage

In a bid to increase access and inclusion in Manjimup, a local committee has been successful in securing additional Shire funding to support the implementation several initiatives over the next several months. Starting with a communication tool called a pragmatic organisation dynamic display, the Shire of Manjimup access and inclusion committee intends to introduce a range of inclusive communication materials in public spaces across the shire. An increase the availability of training opportunities for the community in the access and inclusion space has also been highlighted as a priority of the committee. The first PODD signage — a form of augmentative and alternative communication used to help people communicate when they cannot effectively communicate through speech — will be installed at the Manjimup Regional AquaCentre and the Manjimup Public Library, subject to final Shire approval. The two Shire-operated facilities were identified as suitable locations for initial rollout as they are frequently utilised by all members of the community. The Manjimup Heritage Park has been identified as the next location for the future installation of a communication board. At an ordinary council meeting on September 7, the Shire council approved a $4000 increase in the 2023/2024 operational budget for access and inclusion initiatives such as the above and to assist with seed funding grant applications.