The Broken Hill Benevolent Society is committed to driving positive outcomes for our region’s most vulnerable residents, so they’ve been working closely with Broken Hill City Council (BHCC) to ensure the timely delivery of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026.
Following the Benevolent Society’s recent meeting with BHCC where a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Progress Report was discussed, support coordinator Emma Summerton told the Barrier Truth, “Council did an amazing job of going through all their KPIs.”
The report reviews BHCC’s progress towards helping to make life easier for people with differing abilities, and outlines updates from 44 actions agreed to from July 1 last year. So far, 36 actions have been noted as On Track, with seven actions noted as Off Track, and one to be monitored.
With an increase in mobility walkers and scooters on the move around town, as part of the Active Transport Plan and Road Reconstruction projects, 40 accessibility kerb ramps (2.5 metres wide) and 20 refuge islands have been installed across the city over the last eight months, and work will soon start in Oxide St so it’s more accessible with ramps being extended from 800mm to 2400mm.
The Broken Hill City Library will implement several changes including Auslan [Australian sign language] keyword signs being implemented into Baby Bounce sessions, and Rhyme Time sessions. Additionally, TAFE NSW are now offering free Auslan courses.
The library is also supporting the community to help improve adult literacy by loaning iPads, providing a home library service for residents unable to visit the library, and will post books for three-month loans to people living on properties or in communities as far away as Cobar.
In an effort to raise awareness around neurodiversity, council will be creating more inclusive, autism-friendly environments starting with the implementation of sensory zones for the Christmas pageant and the New Years Eve event where sensory equipment hired can be used either indoor or outdoor during the festivities.
BHCC’s new tourism website will include details of how accessible local businesses are for people with differing abilities, and Locals Caring About Locals will hold their first Disability Expo Committee meeting on June 6.
To access the Disability Inclusion Action Plan and the KPI Progress Report, head to this link: brokenhill.nsw.gov.au/Council/Strategic-Plans-including-Fees-and-Charges/Disability-Inclusion-Action-Plan
