Cronulla has a new all-terrain wheelchair to make local beaches accessible to all the community.
Called a Hippocampe-All- Terraine wheelchair, it allows people with disabilities accessibility to difficult terrain that would be inaccesable to a standard wheelchair.
Costing $6,655, the Hippocampe-All- Terraine has been purchased with the help of Ability Links and can be used at any one of Cronulla’s patrolled beaches free-of-charge.
Ability Links contributed $4,000 towards its purchase and Sutherland Shire Council the balance.
“This new beach wheelchair supports Council’s principles of providing a caring, supportive and inclusive community, so that people can enjoy active lives connected to nature,” Sutherland Shire mayor Carmelo Pesce.
“It’s something we’ve been hoping to purchase for our community for a while now and Ability Links have helped us make it happen.”
Ability Links is a free, NSW Government initiative promoting inclusion in the community.
Linkers work in two ways: by supporting people with disabilities including mental health needs, their families and carers to fulfil their dreams and goals, and by linking with businesses and organisations in the community to make shared spaces physically and socially accessible.
The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW delivers Ability Links in the Hunter, Central Coast and Sydney Metro South regions.
“We’re so lucky to have beautiful beaches and National Parks in Sutherland Shire, and this all-terrain wheelchair helps ensure all community members can enjoy them,” Sutherland Area Coordinator with Vinnies Ability Links` Sharman Keith said.
Bookings are essential. Visit Sutherland Shire Councils website to make a booking:
http://www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/Home or make a booking by calling Sutherland Shire
Council direct on (02) 9710 0333.
More information about the chair visit;
http://www.mogowheelchairs.com.au/wheelchair/hippocampe-all- terraine/
For more information about Ability Links call (02) 8622 0456 or visit the Sutherland Team at Shop
2/581-587 Kingsway, Miranda.