New ‘keys’ improve community accessibility

Access Keys are documents that have been created to help the community plan and prepare for outings at Deep Creek Reserve and the eco playground, the Pakenham Library and the Cardinia Cultural Centre.  

Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Councillor Brett Owen said Access Keys were not only great ‘go to’ electronic documents for people with disability in Cardinia Shire but also for the broader community including new parents and older people. 

“Access Keys details information like the venue’s accessible features including toilets, shows the venue’s layout, available parking and the distances from the carpark to the door and also talks about the potential sensory elements at that particular venue,” he said.  

“Having this information on hand helps continue to build independence and inclusion for everyone in Cardinia Shire.” 

Cardinia Shire Council Toomuc Ward Councillor Stephanie Davies and Officer Ward Councillor Tammy Radford are both on Council’s Cardinia Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee. 

“The Cardinia Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee is made up of representatives of the disability community, disability sector and Councillors. We are committed to making Cardinia Shire welcoming, accessible and inclusive to all,” Cr Davies said.  

“Some of the things we do on the committee involve monitoring and reviewing access and inclusion policy and Council's disability action plan, providing information to Council on issues impacting people with disability that prevent inclusion in the community and participating in strategic planning,” Cr Radford said.  

For more about Access Keys, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/accesskeys