The Most Accessible Communities Western Australia (MACWA) Awards recognise Local Governments that demonstrate leadership, commitment and innovation in creating accessible and inclusive communities.
Now in its seventh year, the MACWA Awards showcase initiatives that go beyond minimum legislative requirements to deliver meaningful outcomes for people with disability, as well as the broader community. The Awards celebrate Local Government efforts that embed access and inclusion across planning, service delivery and community life.
Grounded in legislative Disability Access and Inclusion Plans (DAIP) and aligned with the Western Australian State Disability Strategy, the MACWA Awards highlight initiatives that support inclusive communities through thoughtful design, innovation and a whole of community approach.
Local Governments are invited to nominate projects, programs or initiatives that demonstrate how access and inclusion have been strengthened across their City, Town or Shire.
Nominations are now open and will close Tuesday 5 May COB.
What the Awards Recognise
The MACWA Awards provide an opportunity for Local Governments to promote and share initiatives that improve access and inclusion across a wide range of areas, including:
- Buildings and infrastructure
- Programs and services
- Facilities and public open spaces
- Information and communications
- Technology and digital access
- Employment practices within Local Government
By showcasing this work, the Awards raise awareness of the practical steps Local Governments are taking to ensure people living with disability, their families and carers feel welcomed, included and supported in their communities.
Award Categories
The 2025/26 MACWA Awards feature two categories:
- Access
- Inclusion
Nominate Your Local Government
The MACWA Awards provide Local Governments with the opportunity to gain recognition for initiatives that bring communities together and demonstrate the value of inclusive decision making.
Local Governments are encouraged to nominate and share their work, highlighting projects and initiatives that reflect leadership, collaboration and a commitment to access and inclusion across Western Australia.
Nominations are assessed by an independent and experienced judging panel, including people with lived experience of disability, carers and professionals working within the disability sector.
Nominations are now open and will close Tuesday 5 May COB.
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A message from Melissa Northcott, MACWA Ambassador
Melissa Northcott brings more than 20 years of experience in Local Government, supported by lived experience of disability. Her background includes service as an Elected Member, a WALGA Deputy State Councillor, a Local Government committee member, and a Diploma of Local Government alumni, providing a strong foundation in governance and access and inclusion practice.
“I understand Local Government through both a professional and lived experience lens, and I know the difference strong access and inclusion initiatives can make to individuals, families and communities,” Melissa said.”
“The MACWA Awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge the commitment Local Governments are already making and to showcase initiatives that genuinely strengthen inclusive communities.”
Partnerships
The MACWA Awards are proudly supported by:
- The Minister for Disability Services
- The Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA)
- Department of Communities
- Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety
City of Mandurah, ‘WA’s Most Accessible Community’ 2025
