Cairns Regional Council scored top honours in the Local Government Award category of the National Disability Awards held recently at Parliament House in Canberra.

The Council triumphed in a field of twenty-two finalists selected from the more than 160 nominations across six award categories.

Mayor Val Schier said the national awards bring to the fore some of the most remarkable achievements across the nation.

“We were up against some pretty stiff competition in this particular category – the City of Playford and Penrith City Council were also finalist contenders. Council is proud to have won national recognition for its leadership in creating equal accessibility throughout the far northern region,” Cr Schier said.

“Council has been extremely proactive in the area of accessibility.  We have been dedicated to projects like the all abilities playgrounds, the launch of our all terrain wheelchairs and improving beach access for people with a disability.

“Staff has worked with the wider community to ensure the region becomes a tourism destination that has a reputation of providing for those with a disability. Tourist operators and business owners have enthusiastically joined us in the drive to achieve this.”

The National Disability Awards are part of the Australian Government's celebration of International Day of People with Disability.

The annual Awards celebrate and acknowledge the achievements and contributions that people with disability make to their community and recognise individuals within communities who have contributed to the disability sector.