Hervey Bay regularly gains national recognition for the popular tourism attractions and commentary on our “older demographic” but it can be the minority groups that are so often forgotten in the understanding of what makes our city unique and its own identity.
The indications are the Fraser Coast is making strides in fostering inclusivity for the disability sector within the greater community. As communities strive for diversity and accessibility, our region stands out as a beacon of progress in ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities and support.
As a nation, we have been progressive in the 21st century with the disabled community as The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) represents a transformative milestone in Australia's commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities.
Envisioned as a groundbreaking initiative to enhance the lives of people living with disabilities, the NDIS has a rich history that reflects the nation's dedication to fostering inclusivity and providing comprehensive support to those in need.
The NDIS was officially trialed on July 1, 2013, in selected sites across Australia. These trial sites allowed participants to experience firsthand the shift from a rationed support system to one that focused on individual needs, goals, and aspirations. This led to further regions in Queensland to be included in October 2016.
By 2020, the scheme covered all eligible Australians under the age of 65.
The NDIS Quarterly Report for 30th September 2022 shows more than 550,000 people are receiving NDIS support with over 300,000 for the first time that year. A staggering 94% of parents and carers of children aged 0 to before starting school believed the NDIS improved their child’s development at their most recent plan assessment. Another 73% of parents and carers of children starting school to 14 years felt their child had become more independent as a result of the NDIS.
In 2021, 11,996 people (or 10.8% of the population) in Fraser Coast Regional Council reported needing help in their day-to-day lives due to disability compared to the Regional Queensland overall percentage of 6.3%. This was an increase on the previous ABS survey (2016) of 2,190 people.
In Hervey Bay, 7,230 carers were providing unpaid assistance to a person with a disability, long term illness or old age in 2021. This represents 14.3% of the population aged 15+.
The numbers are quite clear that our community is highly populated with a community either disabled or connected as a carer. Efforts have been made to ensure that public events, festivals, and cultural activities are accessible to all residents, regardless of their abilities. This commitment extends to providing adaptive sports programs, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can participate in recreational activities that promote physical well-being and social interaction.
Fraser Coast’s dedication to inclusivity in the disability sector is commendable, if not celebrated.
The Fraser Coast Regional Council has led an acknowledge pathway to improving infrastructure and recognising the disabled community as an important element of our culture and population.
Our proactive council is creating an environment that accommodates individuals with disabilities. Public spaces, recreational areas such as the All Abilities playground, and transportation services have undergone significant upgrades to ensure wheelchair accessibility and ease of navigation for those with mobility challenges.
The Seafront All Abilities Playground is one of 16 developed as part of the state government's Queensland All Abilities Playground Project – enabling participation in play. The playground features a wide variety of accessible, inclusive play equipment and experiences, including a Wheelchair accessible trampoline, seesaw, tai chi wheel, hand water pump and sand digger. The playground is set on the edge of Pialba Beach and includes a Changing Places accessible toilet facility.
Local businesses have also followed this lead by implementing inclusive practices, such as accessible entrances, parking spaces, and amenities.
Jess Lane, Innovation Manager for Community Lifestyle says the council has to be congratulated in the progress in supporting our disabled community. “It’s about building inclusion into everyday life” says Jess.
“The Fraser Coast Regional Council has an incredible consultation process that truly defines inclusion”.
Cr Zane O’Keefe was very impressed at the recent Fraser Coast Ability Awards and mentioned the importance of inclusiveness for the council.
“A key focus for Council is creating connected, inclusive communities through our places, spaces and people, and that’s what these awards are all about.”
Cr O’Keefe is also a member of the Fraser Coast Inclusive Access Advisory Committee that provides strategic advice on policy and practice to Council with the feedback to assist in responding to the needs and aspirations of people of all abilities in our region.
The Committee’s objectives include to advocate for solutions to the issues that impact on life opportunities of people of all abilities and to assist the Council to become a leader in delivering infrastructure and services for people of all abilities. They will also advise on “best practice” in universal access planning and assist the Fraser Coast Regional Council to become a leader in delivering infrastructure and services for people of all abilities.
The disability sector has also seen a positive shift in terms of employment opportunities in the region.
Businesses are recognising the importance of a diverse workforce and are actively working towards creating inclusive workplaces. Local initiatives and partnerships between the government, non-profit organisations, and businesses have been instrumental in fostering an environment where individuals with disabilities can thrive professionally.
Education also plays a pivotal role in empowering individuals with disabilities. The Fraser Coast is home to educational institutions, such as Hervey Bay Special School, that are committed to providing inclusive learning environments.
Additionally, vocational training programs are available to equip individuals with disabilities with the skills needed to enter the workforce. These initiatives not only contribute to personal development but also promote economic independence within the disabled community.
A key industry for Hervey Bay in Tourism has also embraced inclusiveness.
The tourism industry locally offers adaptive and inclusive activities to ensure that individuals with disabilities can participate in a variety of experiences. Tour operators and recreational facilities provide adaptive equipment and trained staff to facilitate activities such as whale watching.
Fraser Coast Tourism & Events (FCTE) released a Fraser Coast Accessible Destination Guide in 2022 that highlights many of the popular tourism options that support accessibility include K’gari tours and Whale Watching boats.
“We are doing work in this space and have recently had an independent audit completed in Hervey Bay and Maryborough of accessible product,” says a spokesperson.
“FCTE also recently purchased two beach wheelchairs (all terrain) that we will book out from the Hervey Bay Visitor Information Centre. All content and listings will be uploaded onto their website, which will also have its own landing page.”
By embracing the disability community through these initiatives, Hervey Bay's tourism industry aims to ensure that all visitors, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy the beauty and experiences that our destination has to offer. The town's commitment to inclusivity contributes to creating a more accessible and welcoming environment for individuals with disabilities.
This approach ensures that Hervey Bay remains responsive to the evolving needs of individuals with disabilities. By implementing these measures, Hervey Bay aims to create an environment where individuals with disabilities can enjoy the town's offerings and participate fully in community life.
Ongoing efforts toward inclusivity contribute to making Hervey Bay a more accessible and welcoming destination for everyone.
