Tamworth Disability Access Working Group: new members put their hand up to advocate and inspire for people with disabilities

Tamworth Regional Council (TRC) welcomed the new Disability Access Working Group on Tuesday.

Councillor Helen Tickle said the group has historically made an enormous contribution to the community in providing strategic advice on access issues to give people with disabilities a better quality of life.

"The expanded committee will bring wide and varied experience," she said.

"Together with more expertise across a wide age sector, we have as young as 16 and then without giving secrets away - someone in their 80's. So we'll have a range of experiences to bring to the committee."

The new committee members include Judy Coates, Isla Farr, Amanda Fisher, Fiona Hemmings, Danielle Northey, Ilonka Patkos, Catherine Rae, Geoffrey Talbot Sanderson, Dino Santos and Luke Wakely.

Cr Tickle said it was heartening to see so many people willing to make a contribution, and thanked TRC staff for attending meetings, listening to and taking advice from the community and where possible implementing inclusive policies and infrastructure.

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She said that has been highlighted with the construction of shared pathways and gradients.

Among the new working group is 16-year-old Oxley High School student Isla Farr, who lives with cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair.

She hopes to use her own experiences to make a difference in the lives of people living with a disability.

Cr Charles Impey said the group plays a vital role in ensuring the right information informs decision-making.

"After reading this list of 10 names and I know the previous group did a magnificent job as well, but I do know six of these people personally and there are some outstanding people coming forward to work with the council in the disability access space," he said.

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