Published on Monday, 13 June 2022 at 10:43:36 AM

The Chidlow Community Garden is paving the way for an accessible garden.

New additions will enable all users to access the garden in the near future. 

Members of the Shire’s Inclusion and Disability Access Advisory Group (IDAAG) visited the garden recently to offer advice about ways to increase accessibility and inclusion within the garden area.

Chair of the IDAAG Committee, Cr Jo Cicchini said the Shire and IDAAG members are committed to creating an accessible and inclusive community for all.

“The Chidlow Community Garden group are leaders in access and inclusion,” she said.

“The partnership between IDAAG and community groups is important for assisting groups to create spaces for all people to access and feel that they belong.”

Accessible additions

The community garden group have previously consulted with interested users of the garden to learn more about their needs to determine how they could make the space accessible and inclusive. 

New features to the garden will include an accessible ramp to enable wheelchair and mobility scooter users access to the garden committee’s meeting space within one of their railway wagons. 

The group is also considering installation of a tool storage facility and work bench area at an accessible height for those who are unable to navigate the step up to the storage railway wagon.

Next steps in the process

The next steps in the process will see the garden group liaise with the Shire’s Building Services team to seek design approval prior to construction of the ramp. Chidlow Community Garden received a COVID-19 Relief & Recovery Rebuild grant from the Shire which will be used to fund the works.

“The group has vouched to continue evolving the garden for all people of all abilities,” said Cr Cicchini.

Have your say on accessibility in the shire

To have your say on inclusivity and accessibility in the shire we invite you to join the IDAAG Committee. Contact the Shire via CCE@mundaring.wa.gov.au or phone 9290 6682.

For more information about IDAAG visit the Inclusion and Disability Access Advisory Group page. 

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