Community members and Corangamite Shire staff are collaborating to ensure the lived experiences of elderly people and people with disabilities are understood and considered when planning and delivering Council services and infrastructure.
The Positive Ageing, Access and Inclusion Reference Group (PAA&IRG) has met twice since forming in January.
Group Community Representative Andrew Leeman hopes his input will make a positive difference for elderly people and those living with disabilities.
"I started as a disability worker and became disabled myself. I thought I'd give back to the community from both aspects."
Mr Leeman, 61 was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease at 53.
The genetic condition affects the nerves, muscles and bones of his lower legs, limiting his ability to walk.
"I've had three bone fusions in both feet. I have to wear this monstrosity for life," he said, pointing to the 5 kg boot on his right foot. "It was either amputation or this, so I chose this."
"You don't know what affects you until you have a disability. Being a heritage town, we have a lot of issues. There are certain shops I physically can't go into.
"Hopefully I can put forward thoughts and ideas the Council group haven't had; think outside the box and tick a few things off."
Fellow Community Representative Cindy McDougall was a member of the former Disability and Inclusion Reference Group, which was expanded to include older residents' lived experience and voices and became the PAA&IRG. The wider focus aims to provide solutions for people of different ages and abilities who face similar challenges.
"I was motivated to join that, and to continue on in the Positive Ageing Accessibility and Inclusion Reference Group to help build inclusion in our local towns and throughout the hire," she said.
"I believe that only through listening to people who have lived through everyday issues and struggles, and by sharing both positive and negative experiences, can we build a better world for those who come after us.
"There has already been so much positive change in our region that can be directly attributed to the group and our ideas, and this has been incredibly satisfying.
"On a personal note, I was particularly pleased to suggest and see a new disabled park placed at both Noorat Primary School and Mercy Regional Noorat Campus to help accessibility for younger people attending school and for others who attend community events at these premises.
"I hope that through my input, along with my fellow group members, that older people and people with a disability will be able to more easily engage in their local communities."
Chair Cr Jo Beard, who lives with primary progressive multiple sclerosis, said the group had a vital role in guiding the implementation of the Positive Ageing, Accessibility & Inclusion Plan 2025-2029 by sharing local knowledge, lived experiences, and ideas that matter to the community.
"Having a safe, accessible, appropriate and reliable built environment is crucial for older people and people with a disability to maintain their independence and dignity," Cr Beard said.
"Being able to perform daily tasks and remain active without relying heavily on assistance supports all members of our community enjoy good quality of life and social connections."
Cr Beard said living with MS had given her an additional lens to look through.
"I haven't always had MS since I've been on Council. It's only been the last eight years. I could look at it as a negative, but I've got an opportunity because of it.
"It has enabled me as a councillor to think more broadly in how I represent our community, and how I look at built infrastructure, especially accessibility, in a different light.
"Now when I'm walking down the street I have to look down for hazards instead of looking up and around. I would never have thought of that until I was confronted with it myself."
Cr Beard said Council was really pleased that community members are represented along with stakeholders including Hampden P-12, Southwest Sport, are-able and genU.
"By sharing their voices and their lived experiences, they can lead positive change and improve community inclusivity for all ages and abilities."
Community representatives
- Andrew Leeman
- Cindy McDougall
- James Carter
- Rebecca Biddle
- Richard Stone
- Hampden P-12
- Bradley Adams
- Tegan Nelmes
- and students
- Southwest Sport
- Will Jamison
- Inika Tobin-Salzman
- are-able Employment Consultant Bec Huth
- genU Operations Manager Makayla Ansell
Council representatives
- Positive Ageing, Access and Inclusion Co-ordinator Belinda Rowbottom
- Co-ordinator of Community Programs Keri James
- Rural Access Officer Patrick Caruana
- Economic Partnership Officer Kellie Duyhoven Economic Prosperity
- Infrastructure Projects Officer Dean Finlayson - Facilities Team
- Assets Co-ordinator Maria Caro - Assets Team
Caption: Positive Ageing, Access and Inclusion Reference Group community representatives (front L-R) Cindy McDougall, James Carter and Andrew Leeman are backed by Cr Jo Beard, and Council's Assets Co-ordinator Maria Caro, Economic Partnership Officer Kellie Duynhoven, Infrastructure Projects Officer Dean Finlayson, Rural Access Officer Patrick Caruana and Positive Ageing, Access and Inclusion Co-ordinator Belinda Rowbottom.
