Peter Jones wants to help clear the way for people living with a disability in our community..

It’s the main reason why he joined the new Access and Inclusion Working Group which is charged with supporting Gunnedah council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan.
Mr Jones will represent Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce in the group but held interests of the entire community at heart, not just the business sector.

“People don’t always think about access for people with disabilities,” he said.

“Everybody has the right to access.”

“I know a few people with disability and I’ve heard them tell me about the hassles they have.”

From sporting fields, to public toilets and even alfresco street dining is on his radar as areas that could be improved for people with disability.

“We can do things to make it easier for them,” he said.

“They want to be independent.”

Also part of the working group is councillor Ann Luke and four community representatives including Sharne Turpin, Julie Frend, Gerry McDonald and Steven Betts.

The working group’s council representative Deb Hilton said representatives would consider urban design, current infrastructure, current services and programs.

GoCo Community Hub co-ordinator Kate Mackley said the group’s main benefit will be providing the public with a mechanism for delivering feedback and suggestions directly to the people responsible in the disability sector.

“People with a disability are, of course, the focus of the group. We encourage any adult in Gunnedah shire who has a disability to put their hand up and get involved.” 

Article published by NVI – http://www.nvi.com.au/story/4544501/new-group-to-lead-plan-on-disability/.