The first half of 2021 has simply flown by! Despite the enduring COVID-19 situation throughout many parts of Australia, our team is busier than ever. We are so grateful to be servicing exciting projects all around the country and witnessing our international efforts come to life.
As I write this, the Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo are underway. Additionally, Brisbane has been awarded the 2032 Olympic Games. I was lucky enough to assist with the bid, writing a small part of the bid book for the team. As an athlete at the Sydney Paralympics in 2000, I saw first-hand how Australia set a very high benchmark for culture, training and infrastructure development for accessibility and paralympic sports at major events. In 2018, the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games continued this internationally renowned high standard.
While 2032 may seem like a long time away, it only gives us 11 years to improve what we had achieved previously at both these internationally recognised events. We eagerly look forward to playing a role in this important work as opportunities arise.
On a personal note, my family and I decided to take a 10-week break, pack a camper trailer and head up the East Coast of Australia. Starting in Melbourne in April, the trip saw us traverse 11,000 kilometres all the way to Cape Tribulation in Far North Queensland and back. Along the way, we visited and stayed in over 30 towns and cities - it was an adventure for all of us! I was also particularly interested in experiencing the accommodations at all locations from an accessibility perspective.
Before we started out, planning was essential. Accessibility can be hit and miss, even at the best of times. For the first trial of the camper, we booked a caravan park that said it was accessible. As it turns out, the amenities block had no accessibility features. However, according to the park managers, they had another person in a wheelchair stay here without any complaints, so they ‘assumed it was okay’! Unfortunately, assumptions usually don’t cut it when it comes to accessibility.
As much as we would have loved to be spontaneous with our travel arrangements, it became clear very quickly that we needed professional help to ensure accessibility was part of every accommodation option. Luckily, we used TravAbility to organise both caravan parks with accessible amenities and accessible cabins. Regrettably, not everyone with accessibility needs has access to this level of support.
Across the board, the most notable concern was perceptions of accessibility, even when you have someone researching it thoroughly. As someone with a disability, the most pressing issue I encountered was inaccessible showers and shower seats. Fortunately, we overcame this barrier by bringing my own on the road.
Throughout this thoroughly memorable trip, there were two clear stand-out highlights. One was Hartley’s Crocodile Adventure in Cairns, and the other was Quicksilver Reef Adventure. Thanks to some careful planning and accessibility consideration, I was able to enjoy every element of Hartley’s tourist offering, including the Lagoon boat ride. Similarly, the Quicksilver reef pontoon, while not independently accessible for some of the ramps, had a hoist that lowered and raised me in and out of the water. On the flip side, the biggest disappointment was Fraser Island. While the island had several new accessible toilet blocks installed, they were only accessible via sand pathways.
Despite the varying experiences along the way, I can safely say that with a bit of planning, anyone with an accessibility need can travel and enjoy the East Coast of Australia.
With the majority of Australia in lockdown due to the ongoing pandemic, we wish to extend the opportunity to create Teams or Zoom meetings or workshops with all our clients to discuss any proposed or existing project developments. On behalf of my partner, David Goding, and the entire team, we hope the latter part of 2021 is smooth sailing.