Port Macquarie's Georgia Cordell has signed up to be a youth disability ambassador as part of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's Think 2050 Community Strategic Plan.
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The Think 2050 Community Strategic Plan (CSP) will rely on the community's voice to formulate a concept for the future of our region.
A year 10 student at Hastings Secondary College, Georgia is passionate about providing an inclusive community for everyone - regardless of ability or disability.
"I am in the supported learning unit at Hastings Secondary College Westport Campus and I decided I wanted to do this to help everyone in the community," Georgia said.
"The plan is about how we can create a town that allows everyone in the community to be happy and have access to the same services in the year 2050.
"There are simple things that could happen to make the town more inclusive to people with a disability and I hope I have help make that happen."
Georgia said she planned to talk to her friends and find out what things they would like to see in Port Macquarie and take that to meetings as an ambassador.
"I think we need wider footpaths for people who use a wheelchair and we need more lifts so that people who can't use stairs can access the same things as people who can use stairs," she said.
"Another thing I want to do is break down the barriers that stop those with disabilities from connecting with the rest of the community.
"I am taking my role very seriously and I hope that I can help make Port Macquarie a great place to be into the future."
Port Macquarie-Hastings mayor Peta Pinson launched the plan, with council group manager Lucilla Marshall on Wednesday, December 4.
At the launch Ms Marshall said council staff wanted input from all age groups, but especially the youth who in 2050 will be in the prime time of the lives.
"It's their time to shine," she said.
Through recent discussions with the community, Ms Marshall said issues of connectivity and the environment were discovered to be important to residents in planning for the future.
The last CSP was conducted with members of the community in 2008 and Ms Marshall said the world has advanced rapidly since that time.
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