Kind donation of Aquatic Wheelchair at Yeppoon Lagoon highlights accessibility
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Accessibility to the Yeppoon Lagoon will be made even easier for people with a disability after a new aquatic wheelchair was kindly donated by The Rocks Café.
Mayor Bill Ludwig said the generous donation would provide easier access to residents and visitors who may need assistance entering the water.
“Council would like to sincerely thank The Rocks Café and The Real Group for the funding support towards this fantastic new addition to the Yeppoon Lagoon facility,” Mayor Ludwig said.
“Council continues to strive to be a leader in making our region an accessible and welcoming place to people of all abilities, age groups and backgrounds, and important equipment like the Aquatic Wheelchair certainly contributes to Council’s commitment to strengthening and valuing diversity through inclusive, equitable and accessible services.”
Deputy Mayor Nigel Hutton said the wheelchair would allow everybody to enjoy the freedom of the water.
“The lightweight, rustproof, self-propelled wheelchair is designed to be fully immersed in salt, chlorinated or fresh water and can be used by children and adults,” Cr Hutton said.
“It has been designed for comfort, safety and practicality, and can be easily and safely used. The wheels are also equipped with brakes on each side for added safety.”
The Real Group CEO Karla Way-McPhail said she was pleased to contribute to the opportunity for people of all abilities to be able to enjoy the spectacular lagoon facility.
“As a business we like to support local communities in which we work and live. I am always asking members of our team for ideas and suggestions on small ways we can make a big difference,” Mrs Way-McPhail said. “The team at The Rocks lead by Julie Chapman and Kate Blake suggested the aquatic wheelchair. This is a result of seeing a large number of people access the lagoon to support different forms of therapy including long term and short term treatments for a variety of issues. We are thrilled to donate the wheelchair as it makes the lagoon more accessible and includes a much wider group of people.”
Queensland Human Rights Commission Conciliator and Human Rights Officer and acting Chair of the Capricorn Coast Community Access and Equity Group (CCCAEG) Rochelle Jupp commended The Rocks Café for funding this initiative.
“This aquatic wheelchair will serve to enhance the accessibility features that were incorporated into the planning of the Yeppoon Lagoon,” Ms Jupp said.
“Enabling people with disabilities to enjoy the facilities and services many of us take for granted is a fantastic step toward inclusiveness and equitable access. It is known that accessible communities benefit everyone and it is to their credit that local businesses and Livingstone Shire Council recognise this.”
The Aquatic Wheelchair is one of two available for use at the Yeppoon Lagoon upon request, simply ask one of the friendly lifeguards on duty or inquire at The Rocks Café.