Tara Murray
A Brimbank councillor has said the infrastructure and services for carers and people with a disability at the new Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre are just “a drop in the ocean” of what is needed.
The Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre: Promoting Access, Inclusion and Engagement report was presented at last week’s council meeting, following a notice of motion from councillor Maria Kerr in September.
The report highlighted the centre would have a low sensory-quiet room, two different accessible activity spaces, a community lounge and a quiet room.
It also includes two changing places, an accessible change with hoist and accessible bathrooms.
Carers will also receive further support through the location of an on-site carer support officer.
Cr Kerr said while she acknowledges the sentiment of the report, it doesn’t go far enough. She said with ratepayers paying for the majority of the project, they deserve better.
“It is not a dedicated carers hub, it’s a bandaid solution and to be honest, it’s not going to serve what carers require,” she said.
“I just want to assure the community I will be advocating for a dedicated carers hub in Brimbank, carers deserve a dedicated carers space,
“This space does not even have a sink. When I questioned why there was no running water, I was told I could bring a jug into the room, but if i’m caring for an autistic child like my own child, how I am meant to go and grab a jug of water.
“I believe there is a lot more to do and we need to go back to the drawing board.”
Cr Victoria Borg said that she believed a lot of work had been done in the centre to make the centre inclusive for everyone.
“The Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre is a once in generation facility and as such, it’s imperative to consider carers and people with disability to have maximum access, inclusion and engagement.
“Initially council overruled some specific needs for this cohort of the people. We have come a long way as shown in this report.”
