Open Doors Award: Recognising local businesses that lead with inclusion
The Open Doors Award is a new initiative from Central Coast Council that celebrates local businesses making a real difference in our community.
This award recognises mainstream businesses—those that serve the general public—that go above and beyond to create welcoming, accessible, and inclusive environments for people with disability, older adults, carers, and others with additional needs.
Whether it’s through thoughtful customer service, accessible spaces, or innovative practices, these businesses are removing barriers and opening doors for everyone.
The winner will receive a trophy, certificate of recognition, $500 cash prize, and a promotional feature highlighting their efforts.
Who can be nominated?
Any business within the Central Coast municipality whose primary purpose is to sell products or services to the general public. Unlike service-specific providers (e.g. disability support agencies), this award shines a spotlight on mainstream businesses making inclusion part of everyday life.
Award Criteria
Nominees will be assessed on one or more of the following:
- Creating physical spaces that are accessible and welcoming
- Providing inclusive customer service
- Designing products or services that support inclusion
- Demonstrating inclusive employment or volunteering practices
- Using innovative approaches to remove barriers
How to Nominate
You can nominate a business online or in person.
Hard copy forms are also available at Council’s Administration Centre in Ulverstone.
Accessible versions (easy read, large print) are available upon request, and Staff are available to help you complete the nomination form if required.
Self-nominations are encouraged.
Nominations are open from 20 August to 30 September 2025.
FAQs
What is the Open Doors Award?
The Open Doors Award is a new initiative by Central Coast Council that recognises businesses and organisations within the local government area that are leading the way in accessibility and inclusion. It celebrates those who go beyond compliance to create welcoming, inclusive environments for all members of our community.
Who can be nominated?
This award is specifically intended to honour mainstream businesses – those whose primary purpose is to sell products or services to the general public – that have made exceptional efforts to meet the needs of people with disability, older adults, carers, or others with additional needs. Unlike the many wonderful businesses and not-for-profit organisations that exist specifically to serve people in these cohorts, the focus here is on recognising everyday businesses that have gone above and beyond to ensure that everybody can enjoy equally seamless and dignified experiences.
Who can nominate?
Anyone! Community members, customers, staff, volunteers, or partner organisations can submit a nomination. Self-nominations are also accepted.
What makes a nominee eligible for the award?
Nominees will be assessed on how they have met the needs of people with disability, older adults, carers, or others with additional needs in one or more of the following ways:
- Creating physical spaces that are accessible and welcoming.
- Providing inclusive customer service.
- Addressing inclusion through the products and services they sell.
- Demonstrating inclusive employment or volunteering practices.
- Other innovative approaches.
How do I nominate someone?
You can complete a nomination form online or pick up a hard copy from Council’s Administration Office. Accessible versions (e.g. Easy Read, large print) are available on request.
When do nominations open and close?
Nominations open at 11am on 20 August 2025 and close at 5:00pm on 30 September 2025.
Who decides the winner?
Nominations will be reviewed by the Central Coast Access and Inclusion Working Group, which includes community members with lived experience of disability, alongside a Council representative (e.g. the Mayor).
What does the winner receive?
The winner will receive:
- A trophy and certificate of recognition.
- A $500 cash prize to support further inclusion initiatives.
- A Council-funded promotional feature highlighting their efforts.
Why is this award important?
This award is an opportunity to celebrate local leaders in inclusion, encourage others to lift their game, and help build a more accessible and welcoming Central Coast for all. It’s a small step with big impact.
