
Zero Barriers Business Excellence Awards
From nominated businesses, winners are elected and awarded for their exceptional commitment to inclusive practices. These businesses have gone the extra mile, and lead the way in providing safe and enjoyable service environments for all patrons with and without disabilities.

Physical Access and Inclusion Award
Among The Trees
Among The Trees has an accessible environment in both their shop and workshop. All public access is on the ground floor, with ramps and even flooring, and an accessible all-gender bathroom and parking options. Making their customers and staff feel welcome and safe has meant writing up anti-discrimination policies, as well as educating employees on language, communication and awareness for people living with a disability and for the LGBTQIA community. Planned adjustments will include a height-adjustable wheelchair friendly workbench for our woodworking classes.
Address
Marrickville 2204
Australia
Business: Winner of Physical Access and Inclusion Award
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://amongthetrees.com.au

Social Access and Inclusion Award
Runway Salone
Runway Salon has made changes to their environment by dimming lights, having low noise hairdryers and they offer a play/quiet corner. They have a minimalist styled environment, so as not to overwhelm children with bright colours on the wall. They book in children with extra time than is normally allotted, to give the child time to adjust, and reduce the booking of other customers at the same time to minimise noise so not to overwhelm the child. Staff have also attended disability awareness training.
Address
2170
Australia

Inclusive Communication & Marketing Award
iFly Penrith
Uses Auslan interpreters in their media marketing materials and are inclusive to all abilities. They have accessible parking, bathrooms, facilities, and specially trained staff to assist the any support requirements their customers might need to fulfill their goal to indoor flying. IFLY run events that cater for people with lived experience of a disability in IDPwD and throughout the year.
Address
2750
Australia

Award for City of Canterbury Bankstown
Goodstart Early Learning
For 11 years Goodstart, has run as a not-for-profit social enterprise. They have been creating positive social change by giving children, especially our most vulnerable, the best possible start in life through access to high quality early learning. The business vision is for all Australia’s children irrespective of background or ability, to have the best possible start in life and their purpose is to ensure all children have access to learning, development, and wellbeing outcomes they need for school and life.
Address
2200
Australia

Award for Cumberland City Council
Swimz Guildford
Swimz Guildford is a boutique swim school, that is specially designed to cater to all abilities. They have accessible entry and exits, and bathrooms, with ramps to and from the pool area. They offer swim classes and run private lessons for children of all abilities. Swimz also employs staff with lived experiences of a disability, making sure their working and social environment is appropriate to ensure they have a positive experience.
Address

Award for Fairfield City Council
Bowlarama
Bowlarama offers tenpin bowling for all abilities and ages. They have accessible parking and lift access, and you can use rail guards when playing. Their staff are always warm and welcoming, and they have a strong community presence. They also run bowling leagues for all abilities.
Address
2164
Australia

Award for Lake Macquarie City Council
Harry & Lola’s
Harry and Lola’s Cafe have ramp and stairs entry to their building which is co located next to a multi arts venue. Accessible car parking and bathrooms are also available, as well as water bowls for dogs and assistance animals. They have also installed lower tables to cater for elderly, families with children and mobility aid users.
Address

Award for Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council
Bean Central Cafe
Bean Central believes in building an environment that ensures everyone is provided with an equal opportunity. They employ staff with disabilities and encoura learning of new skills in order to see their community bloom. They are committed to creating a welcoming and positive environment for everyone that comes into our café, whether they are an employee or guest.
Address
2620
Australia