MAVlab Innovation Talks #15

Our public spaces are meant to be shared by all – parks, pools, libraries, sports fields, beaches and events. Yet for many Victorians living with disability, these spaces can be difficult, exhausting or out of reach. Barriers aren’t always visible, but their impact is felt every day.

Local government plays a critical role in shaping how people experience community life. When councils move beyond minimum standards and compliance, public spaces can shift from being technically accessible to genuinely welcoming – supporting dignity, independence, participation and connection, especially for those who face the greatest barriers.

Across Victoria, councils are demonstrating what’s possible: spaces designed with and for diverse abilities, embedding access and inclusion from the outset and creating places where people feel they belong.

Join us to hear from Frankston City Council about Australia’s Most Accessible Beach Pilot, showing how thoughtful design can transform a natural asset into a place of dignity, independence and joy for people of all abilities. You’ll also hear about Rippleside Inclusive Playspace (Livvi’s Place) from the City of Greater Geelong – a playspace co-designed with lived experience, featuring sensory‑rich play, communication supports and access to a Changing Places facility. And discover Disability at Dusk, a welcoming, inclusive community event led by the Southern Region Disability Alliance (SRDA) in partnership with the City of Casey, Cardinia Shire and Greater Dandenong City Council.

You’ll also hear insights from the Victorian Local Government Disability Planners Network, including emerging challenges, opportunities and how councils are strengthening inclusion across their communities.

Join this MAVlab Innovation Talk to explore what equitable public spaces look like in practice, and how councils can design for belonging – creating places where everyone can connect, participate and feel part of community life.

Event Details

Delivery: Online, via Teams

Teams Link: provided via confirmation and reminder emails