In the June 2024 ordinary meeting, Gunnedah councillors heard from Julie Frend, representing The Gunnedah Disability Roundtable.
She gave reason as to why the current hoist at Gunnedah Memorial Swimming Pool was unfit for certain members of the disabled community.
She told councillors the Gunnedah Disability Roundtable had endorsed a ‘Pelican’ swimming hoist and had urged a new hoist to be factored into the 2024/25 Operational Plan.
It was four years ago Ms Frend’s son, Harrison Neader, was using the hoist when it broke.
While it was replaced with another hoist, Ms Frend found it had similar problems to the original and was still not suitable for him.
The Pelican Sling Hoist became a researched and suitable contender for users of Gunnedah Memorial Swimming Pool.
Manilla Memorial Pool has a Pelican hoist, which Mr Neader tested to ensure it would be suitable.
Ms Frend told the Gunnedah Times she was thankful to see the funding allocated to a new hoist.
“We are very grateful to have this happen and [the hoist] will be well used,” she said.
“Council have been really good about providing wider footpaths and [Livvi’s Place Inclusive Playground] as well.
“I need to express our thanks from the disabled community.”
Ms Frend pointed out the Challenge Swimming Carnival will be happening in April. The carnival is an annual event, which invites anyone with a disability over the age of 16 to participate.
She suggested that people with disabilities may look at the current hoist and quietly decide they cannot participate.
While there isn’t assurance the new hoist will be ready for the carnival, it will hopefully encourage more people to partake in the swimming carnival and general use in the future.
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