Shire Prioritises Access and Inclusion
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Published: Tuesday, 24 September 2019 at 9:09:17 AM
The Shire of Coolgardie recognises the importance of accessibility and inclusion within its local community and continues to look for innovative ways to improve access to Shire services and facilities.The Shire has formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Goldfields Individual and Family Support Association (GIFSA) – a not-for-profit that employs more than 100 local people from around the region to support people with disabilities, those who care for them and their families.
By signing the MOU, both the Shire and GIFSA hope to work collaboratively to improve access and inclusion for all members of the local community including people with disabilities, their families and carers, people from CALD backgrounds, Aboriginal Australians, the elderly, parents, children and people who experience other access and inclusion issues due to temporary illness or injuries.
Together with GIFSA, the Shire of Coolgardie will develop a framework to investigate ways to improve accessibility to services, events, facilities and buildings. Furthermore, the Shire will look to support the delivery of GIFSA services to people with disabilities in the community. It is estimated that there are over 170 people with a disability living in the Shire of Coolgardie (ABS Statistics, 2016).
“By formally signing an MOU, we hope to regularly consult with GIFSA on contemporary issues that impact the disability sector and our local community. GIFSA have a thorough understanding of the real day-to-day challenges facing people with disability within the Shire of Coolgardie, and we hope to work closely with the GIFSA to improve support services, accessibility and inclusion within our community,” said Shire President, Malcolm Cullen.
“We are excited to become the first local government in the Goldfields region to develop this type of relationship with a disability service provider.” The Shire of Coolgardie is already taking steps to improve accessibility and inclusion within the Shire, with the development of a Universal Access Pool at the new Kambalda Aquatic Facility. A new beach entry, Universal Accessible Toilets, and other features will improve access to people with disabilities, their carers, seniors and families with young children.
Pictured: Robert Hicks (CEO - GIFSA), James Trail (CEO - Shire of Coolgardie), Kat O’Flaherty (Service Manager - GIFSA), Sheila Hansen (GIFSA) and Dwayne Bellert (GIFSA).
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