City Wins Disability Services Commission Award

The City also won the Count Me In Award for Local Government and was recognised for its range of inclusive outdoor facilities and services in the city area.

Mayor Russell Aubrey said, “The City of Melville is very pleased to be acknowledged for its efforts and commitment to improve access to its parks and outdoor spaces.”

“Kadidjiny Park in Melville has been constructed to accommodate universal access and includes a unisex accessible toilet and three ACROD bays.

“Paths throughout the park link the ACROD bays, toilets, community centre, playground, barbecues and parklands.

“The playground includes a variety of accessible and sensory elements such as musical instruments, textured surfaces, bright colours and sculptures."City employees regularly meet on-site, with people with disabilities and advocates, to address any access concerns and make improvements when possible.

One example is recent upgrades to the Heathcote playground to accommodate the needs of nine-year-old Cassandra Ingley, with vision impairment.

Mayor Aubrey said, “The Heathcote playground had visual markers installed on steps and limestone boarders to create a greater colour contrast for Cassandra and other people who are vision impaired.”

“In addition, pine bark soft fall has also been replaced with rubber soft fall to raise the levels at Heathcote and allow for greater wheelchair access.”

The Bidi Katitjiny Aboriginal Women’s Trail in Piney Lakes was designed to be a sensory experience and also wheelchair accessible.

The City’s Parks and Landscape employees have received training in disability access to parks and outdoor spaces.

Existing public toilets have been converted into unisex accessible toilets at Bicton Quarantine Park, Jeff Joseph Reserve in Applecross and Bob Gordon Reserve in Bull Creek.

For further information visit www.melvillecity.com.au/DAIP or contact 1300 635 845.