Gunnedah Shire Council’s Access Working Group and concerned community members staged an awareness raising event in Conadilly Street on Sunday, 21 May to highlight the issue of inappropriate use of designated access bays in Gunnedah.

Using wheelchairs parked in non-designated bays, each carried a sign to indicate that 'Laziness is not a disability'. Each sign was accompanied by a range of common excuses such as, ‘But it’s close, I will only be 5 minutes, Nobody is using it, I don't care and Oops’.
"The event was staged as a result of feedback from frustrated parents, carers and the disability support sector during the development of the Gunnedah Shire Disability Inclusion Action Plan”, said Working Group Chairperson Councillor Ann Luke.

“We hope to highlight that designated access bays are allocated specifically for those who have a legitimate disability or impairment, and who display a NSW Mobility Parking Scheme Permit or an Australian Disability Parking Permit on their vehicle”.

"This initiative is the first of many to be undertaken by the Access Working Group which has recently reconvened to strengthen Council's commitment to access and inclusion, and to support the delivery of the Shire's Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017-2021" she concluded.

Members of the Gunnedah Shire Council Access Working Group include: Cr Ann Luke (Chair), Gerard McDonald (Community member), Julie Frend (Community member), Rebecca Dridan (Community Member), Peter Jones (Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce & Industry), Sharne Turpin (GS Kidd Memorial School), and Steve Betts (House with No Steps). Council staff include: Andrew Johns, Debra Hilton, Kate Mackley and Richard Baxter.

If you would like more information about the Access Working Group or the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017-2021 contact Debra Hilton, Council’s Community and Social Planner on 02 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen 6740 2100.