In a major step toward greater inclusivity and equity, last night Byron Shire Council unanimously supported a motion to explore the introduction of a Single-Parent Family Pass across all Council-run aquatic facilities.

The motion, brought forward by Mayor Sarah Ndiaye, recognises the need to update pricing structures to better reflect the diversity of modern families and address longstanding inequities that impact single-parent households.

“Many families in our community don’t fit the traditional two-adult household model - and it’s time our pricing policies caught up,” said Mayor Sarah Ndiaye.

“This motion is about fairness. It’s about acknowledging that single parents shouldn’t be paying more to access healthy, community-based activities like swimming. I’m proud that Council has come together unanimously to take this important step.”

“This is about fairness, dignity and catching up with the real makeup of our community,” said Mayor Sarah Ndiaye.

“We’ve heard from local families, we’ve looked at the data, and we’re now acting to fix a gap that’s long overdue.”

The initiative will see Council staff implement changes to include a Single-Parent Family Pass or equivalent concession structure, with the changes to be made to Council’s Fees and Charges Schedule.

Council’s approach is being guided by principles of inclusion and best practice frameworks such as the Royal Life Saving Society Australia’s Equal Access to Public Aquatic Facilities, which emphasises the need to remove financial and structural barriers for all families, regardless of caregiving status.

The motion was prompted by community advocate Kate Walsh, a local single parent who first raised the issue with Mayor Ndiaye after realising that her household was paying more than a traditional family of four for a season pass at the Mullumbimby Pool. Having experienced this herself as a single parent of two, Mayor Ndiaye took the opportunity to change it as soon as possible. 

“Right now, single-parent families are effectively penalised for their family structure - it’s inequitable and out of step with the values of a fair and welcoming community,” said Ms Walsh.

“As a single parent, I was paying more to take my child to the pool than a two-parent family with double the income. It’s a small example of a much bigger equity issue,” said Ms Walsh.

“This change sends a powerful message that all families are welcome and valued. I’m grateful to Mayor Ndiaye and to the whole Council for listening and acting.”

Research shows that single-parent households experience the highest poverty rates in Australia - more than triple that of two-parent families. Yet under current pricing, a single parent with one child pays more for aquatic access than a family of four.

Council’s decision comes at a pivotal time, as it invests in year-round access to aquatic facilities and renews its commitment to community health, inclusion, and wellbeing.

Council staff will now assess the financial and operational implications of introducing a new pricing tier and report back with recommendations for implementation.