The City of Mandurah’s ‘Connect… our community together’ pilot project, supported by the Disability Services Commission, aimed to connect people with a disability who are either approaching or transitioning into retirement with community recreation groups.
A Project Steering Group was formed comprising carers, disability service providers, and people with a disability to guide the project and work with the Project Officer to deliver the main project outcomes:
- create pathways for individuals to ‘have a go’
- develop groups and volunteers to welcome new members
- deliver a series of disability awareness training sessions to build capacity of groups to deliver accessible and inclusive programs.
Connect has submitted to Council its findings including issues relating to access, transport, and social attitudes about disability. The findings along with community development principles practiced during the course of the pilot will contribute to the City’s commitment to improve Mandurah as an inclusive community. The approach has been developed into the model ‘Connect, include, celebrate’ which simplifies inclusion practices.
Connect… Thirteen individuals have accessed over 35 activities in 20 different recreation provider groups as part of the project, including volunteering with community groups and at events.
Include… Individuals and representatives of 34 groups attended a series of disability awareness training sessions facilitated by Wil Kerr of Inclusion WA, who along with guest speakers Beijing Paralympian Rachael Cox and Count Me In Ambassador Peter Hall inspired both groups and individuals to connect actively and socially, as well as think more about the abilities of individuals.
Celebrate… A sundowner held in March to celebrate the project included a panel discussion where participants shared their experiences. Participant Kim O’Neil demonstrated an increased confidence while speaking about his experience as a volunteer with the Rotary Sail into Life program. Mandurah Offshore Fishing and Sailing Club representative Jane Mason spoke of being more aware of the needs of people with a disability and how the club is considering ways it could be more welcoming, including an accessible club boat that supports all water-based activities.
The City of Mandurah aims to continue connecting with community and build relationships with groups and individuals by providing structures that support groups and individuals to connect with each other and by building the connections between groups and disability service providers, to ensure that the community is well informed about funding opportunities, activities and events.
