Council supports new research into inclusive community planning

Gympie Regional Council is partnering with Queensland University of Technology in a research project that aims to build knowledge and understanding of inclusive community planning for people with disabilities in regional areas.

The research project commences this year and Queensland University of Technology is currently fielding expressions of interest for a local advisory group. 

The goals of the advisory group include; providing feedback on research tools at each phase of the project, providing input on ways to best engage locally, providing ideas on enhancing participant voices within the scope of the research project, facilitating relevant linkages within the network and the broader sector to support the promotion of the project, and promoting research events, initiatives and programs. 

To be eligible to participate in the advisory group, participants must identify as a person with a disability who is 16 years or older, or be a family member of a child with a disability 15 years or under that lives within the Gympie region.

Dr Lisa Stafford, from the School of Public Health and Social Work at Queensland University of Technology, said the local advisory group will help guide the project, including ideas and feedback on information and data gathering.

“The role of the advisory group is to ensure we hear the voices of diverse community members by outreaching to people through networks and connections at the local level.”

“Every community is unique, as such it is vital all community-based research projects are guided by the local people, particularly affected citizens.” 

“While all members of the community will be invited to participate in the research, the aim of the advisory group is to maximise the participation of people with disabilities,” she said. 

This project is funded by the Australian Research Council under DE190101512 - ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA).

Applications for the advisory group close 5.00pm Friday 31 January 2020.

For more information on how to join, visit www.inclusivecommunityplannning.com/local-research-advisory-groups