Alpine Resorts Victoria has committed to greater access to alpine resorts for people with disability following the opening of an Australian-first dedicated hub.
Falls Creek has opened a new hub in the village dedicated to Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA). Situated centrally in Slalom Plaza, the hub provides a convenient meeting point for DWA members and volunteers and also significantly enhances DWA’s visibility within the resort.
Future plans at Falls Creek include the establishment of a Changing Places bathroom at the Rocky Valley foreshore within the new lakeside development site, funded by a $180,000 grant from the Victorian Government as part of the 2023 Changing Places funding round. The changeroom and storage facility will significantly enhance year-round accessibility opportunities in Falls Creek, benefitting individuals with specific mobility needs.
Also under development at Mt Hotham is the new Alpine Gateway Building, a year-round public facility that provides undercover disabled parking with safe access to dedicated storage and change rooms, gives direct access to the snow. These facilities were designed cooperatively by DWA and Mt Hotham Resort Management and this accessibility augmentation project was funded with a grant of $245,000 by the Australian Government.
Mt Buller Resort Management has also been working with DWA for several years on possible sites and concepts for an Alpine Accessibility Hub including accommodation, equipment storage and associated services. ARM Architecture has also been appointed to design and cost a new public building in the heart of the Mt Buller Village Square to provide the essential space necessary for the thousands of day visitors who come each day during winter, and which will include accessible facilities.
At Mt Baw Baw, the resort has two international instructors who are trained in adaptive lessons and possesses a dual ski sit ski for visitor use. The resort provides disabled parking at the top of the resort and is able to transport people with disabilities from the car park to the ski field.
Alpine Resorts Victoria Chair Ali Wastie said the new facilities at Falls Creek and Mt Hotham would make it easier for people with disability to enjoy the resorts and said ARV would continue to prioritise accessibility. “We are committed to ensuring disability inclusion and access more broadly are integral elements of resort operations,’’ said Alpine Resorts Victoria Chair Ali Wastie. “We’ll continue working with disability support groups like DWA on how we can achieve this.”
Participation in sports is an important rehabilitation pathway
It’s estimated that nearly 20% of Australians have a disability, but only a quarter of them participate in sports, yet providing ways for them to participate yields huge benefits.
According to Paralympics Australia, people with impairments (especially those with severe/profound impairments) are so inactive, they are particularly prone to diseases of inactivity – diabetes, heart disease, mental illness, and certain types of cancer.
Participation in sport is an important rehabilitation pathway for people with disability joining or re-joining the community, increasing social connections and improving independence, self-esteem and health and well-being.
Disabled Wintersport Australia Chief Executive Officer Tony Murray said their goal was to facilitate access to alpine resorts in a reasonable and dignified way.
“We know that access and cost are the main barriers to people with disabilities and their families enjoying the snow,’’ Mr Murray said.
“Wheelchair accessible transport from the carpark, accessible bathrooms, change rooms and an area to fit and store specialised adaptive equipment are critical,’’ he said.
Changing Places facility at Falls Creek will support year-round participation
Mr Murray said the new Changing Places facility planned at Falls Creek will serve as an exceptional addition to the resort, fostering a vibrant hub for summer and winter activities including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, biking, and watersports.
“Accessibility for people with disability is a key barrier to participation in snow sports and this facility will be a significant asset in providing support for our members and their families into the future. Our tremendous thanks goes to Falls Creek Alpine Resort for their generosity and assistance in making this happen.”
At Mt Hotham this year participation was estimated to double in terms of the numbers of DWA members taking advantage of the wonderful opportunity to take to the slopes in a fully supported way. Mt Hotham has led the way in supporting disabled access, having ensured that the free winter Village buses are wheelchair accessible.
Page last updated: 11/09/23