Making Auburn more accessible for people with disability

The Auburn community is set to become more accessible for local people with disability and their carers through a $20,000 boost from the Gillard Government.

Auburn City Council has been successful under the $5 million Accessible Communities initiative to improve the accessibility of Auburn Town Hall.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas, today joined Member for Reid, John Murphy, to meet with Council including Mayor Ronney Oueik and inspect the town hall project.

“This funding boost will improve the accessibility of our town hall for local people with disability in our community,” Mr Murphy said.

“It will allow a platform lift to be installed at Auburn Town Hall, providing wheelchair access to the stage area.”

“This project will provide access to all users to the stage area of the Auburn Town Hall, enhancing the diversity and number of programs and events for people with a disability, and encourage greater participation of residents with mobility issues.”

Through their Access to Town Hall project, Council is also ensuring the Town Hall is available to local disability and community based organisations for free activities that promote social inclusion.

“Auburn City Council should be congratulated for helping improve access for people with disability in south western Sydney by contributing $20,000, in addition to the Australian Government’s funding,” Mr Murphy said.

Senator McLucas said people with disability deserve the same opportunities as other Australians.

“It is great to see Auburn City Council wanting to do more to support people with disability in their community.”

“We are working hard to break down the obstacles faced by people with a disability.”

“The Accessible Communities program delivers practical support for local councils to ensure local people with disability, their families, friends and carers can get involved in community life, like enjoying a play or attending a meeting at their local town hall.”

Accessible Communities delivers on a Gillard Government election commitment and is part of an $11 million accessibility package to support the National Disability Strategy.

Through the Strategy, the Government is also delivering the $1 million Increasing Accessibility Library Initiative, which addresses a significant barrier to inclusion and participation for people with print disability – a lack of access to information.

“Through this initiative, Auburn Library will receive 10 digital playback devices, making print material like books and newspapers more accessible for people with print disability,” Senator McLucas said.

The National Disability Strategy outlines a 10-year national plan to improve the lives of people with disability, promote participation, and create a more inclusive society.