Work is set to start soon on Braidwood’s first adult change table, thanks to more than $60,500 in funding from the NSW Nationals in the state government’s Community Building Partnership Program.
NSW Nationals Member for Monaro John Barilaro joined Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Mayor Tim Overall and members of the Jerrabomberra Rotary Club to announce funding for the vital community project, which will see the existing disabled toilet block at Ryrie Park upgraded.
“This is an extremely important project that will make life a lot easier for local teenagers and adults living with a disability, as well as their carers,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Located on the Kings Highway, a busy thoroughfare particularly during the school holidays, the new change rooms will also be a very welcome asset for visitors travelling through.
“This project will ensure those living with a disability have greater access to our wonderful facilities here in Braidwood, particularly the local pool.”
The funding will go towards refurbishing the existing Ryrie Park disabled toilets, to provide a new teenager and adult automated change table and associated hoist.
Mayor Overall said the new facilities would be a welcome addition at the busy stopover in Braidwood.
“Parents of children would be well aware that Braidwood provides an ideal break on a journey to or from the NSW south coast. Having these new facilities, right beside the recently upgraded Ryrie Park playground, will be of great relief to carers of teens and adults living with a disability,” Cr Overall said.
“Braidwood is much more than just a toilet break for travellers. It offers unique hidden gems to explore. These new facilities will mean more families will be able to linger longer and experience what Braidwood has to offer.”
Robert Chillman, on behalf of the Jerrabomberra Rotary Club, thanked Mr Barilaro and Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council for the support to get the project off the ground.
“This new table will allow carers to change disabled teenagers & adults alike with dignity, whether they were in town enjoying all Braidwood had to offer or simply travelling through,” Mr Chillman said.
“This will be an invaluable community service and we cannot wait to start work on this project. We are now calling tenders so that the work may commence as soon as possible.”
Now a decade old, the Community Building Partnership program has funded more than 13,800 community projects since it commenced in 2009.
For more information about the NSW Nationals in the state government’s Community Building Partnership Program, visit www.nsw.gov.au/cbp
