Beach volunteer talking to a camera

International Day of People with Disability (3 December), aims to promote community awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability. This year’s theme is ‘fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress.’ 

On the Northern Beaches, more than 10,000 people have a disability. To celebrate the diverse contribution of people with disability to our community we’re seeking expressions of interest to be part of a local history project.

Share your story 

We are seeking diverse stories of how people with disabilities contribute to life on the Northern Beaches. These stories will become part of the Local History Collections, a collection of past and present stories of the Northern Beaches, its people and local environment.

How to submit 

Expressions of interest should include your details and brief outline of your story. Selected stories will be recorded in collaboration with the Local Studies team. 

If you are interested, please complete this form below. Paper copies of the form are also available at Customer Service Centres and Libraries.  Submissions will be accepted in video, audio, or written formats. 

For assistance with your submission or to find out more, please contact the Community Development team on 02 8495 5104 or disability@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

Expressions of interest

Privacy protection notice

  • Purpose of collection: Expressing interest in participating in the Disability Storytelling Program
  • Intended recipients: Council staff
  • Supply: Mandatory for nomination
  • Access/Correction: Contact the Customer Service Team to access or correct this information on 1300 434 434
  • Storage: Northern Beaches Council, 1 Belgrave Street, Manly NSW 2095

View Privacy Policy.

Some suggestions considerations include:
- Your favourite place to visit on the Northern Beaches and why
- How have you overcome a challenge
- A day in your life
- Experiences with work and education
One file only.
5 MB limit.
Allowed types: jpg, jpeg, png, pdf.
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More Information

What are the next steps?

  • Stage 1 submissions close on Sunday 1 February 2026.
  • A shortlist will be selected. 
  • Shortlisted storytellers will be contacted in late February 2026, and further information will be provided on next steps. 

Eligibility

  • Live or work on the Northern Beaches 
  • 18 years or above

Where will my story be shared?

  • Your story will live on the Northern Beaches History Hub (link) for full access to the community
  • Small snips of your story may be used for marketing purposes including the lead up to the Disability Inclusion Award and International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) celebrated annually on 3 December.
  • A full consent form will be provided prior to recording
  • We will be taking photos during the recording. Please let us know if you would not like photos to be taken

Support

If you are d/Deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, please contact National Relay Service on 1300 555 727.

If you would like to speak to someone over the phone in your language, call Translation and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450 for a free interpreting service.