Mandurah was named WA’s Most Accessible Community last week, recognising several ambitious projects and strong leadership in making the city more inclusive and welcoming for everyone.
The City of Mandurah was named winner in all three categories entered at the 2025 Most Accessible Community in WA (MACWA) Awards on 10 December and received the overall award of most accessible local government in WA.
Mayor Amber Kearns, who represented Council on the City’s Access and Inclusion Working Group over the last four years, said the city was proud to be recognised as Western Australia’s Most Accessible Community.
“This award isn’t just about projects, it’s about people. It celebrates the way our community has come together to make Mandurah more inclusive and accessible for everyone,” Mayor Kearns said.
“Over the past year, we’ve seen some transformative initiatives take shape by working closely with people with disability, our partners, and locals who bring lived experience and insight into what really matters.
“This recognition is a wonderful milestone, but it’s not the finish line. We know there’s more to do, and we’re committed to listening, learning and building on what we’ve achieved. Right now, we’re developing our next Access and Inclusion Plan, because creating spaces, places and services that welcome everyone is an ongoing journey.
“Mandurah has always been a meeting place of the heart, and this award reminds us of what’s possible when we work together. A huge thanks to our community, disability service providers, our Access and Inclusion Advisory Group, Council, City staff, and external partners. This award is for you all.”
The City took out first place in its three categories; Minor Infrastructure Projects (accessible buildings and facilities), Public Open Spaces, and Services and Events for several projects including:
• Changing Places facility at the new Eastern Foreshore toilet block, which includes a hoist and a purpose-built beach wheelchair storage room,
• numerous accessibility upgrades to public open spaces, attractions, and City facilities,
• opening of one of WA’s first All Abilities Paddle Launch facilities in Riverside Gardens, plus extensive activation and promotion opportunities,
• increased accessibility for services and events including a prominent link to accessibility information on the City’s website, and new accessibility initiatives at Crab Fest and Mandurah Christmas.
This recognition reflects the City’s commitment to delivering on actions from the Access and Inclusion Plan (AIP), which aims to ensure people with disability and Mandurah’s aging population have the same opportunities as others in the areas of services and events, buildings and facilities, information, quality of service, feedback and complaints, public consultation and employment.
This is the third time the City of Mandurah has been named WA’s Most Accessible Community, first winning the top award in 2021, and then again in 2023.
