A Collaborative Initiative to Enhance Disability Access in our District
In November 2023, during the Ordinary Meeting of Council, Mr Bill Johnson articulated the difficulties experienced by mobility impaired individuals within our community. His invaluable insights spurred action, prompting us to delve deeper into understanding these challenges and seeking effective solutions.
Subsequent to that meeting, Mr David Pluckhahn, our Manager Infrastructure and Operations personally engaged with Mr Johnson to gain a comprehensive understanding of his daily struggles in accessing his home. Together, they collaborated with a local company to construct a ramp, mitigating the gradient of the street kerbing and facilitating easy access for Mr Johnson.
Moreover, recognising the importance of engaging with community with lived experience, Mayor Winnall and David Pluckhahn recently convened a meeting with Mr Johnson, Dylan Blackley from Support and Connect, and Mr Paul Vanderwoude from Mobility Mates. This gathering provided a platform for open dialogue, enabling council to gain insights into the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in navigating public spaces.
Mr Johnson’s firsthand experiences shed light on areas where improvements are not only desirable but imperative for fostering inclusivity and equal access for all residents.
Mayor Winnall said, “We’re so grateful for Bill coming to Council to directly address accessibility issues in the district, not just for his own needs but also advocating on behalf of so many other community members who face daily challenges just getting around the area. We are keen to keep working on implementing disability access improvements across the district.”
Mr Johnson has expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to collaborate with Council and emphasise the importance of inclusive decision making process.
As we move forward, we remain committed to furthering our efforts in promoting inclusivity and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can fully participate in and contribute to our community.
