Mayor Peter Sharp and Megan McKenzie, from Lockhart Anglers Club, at the Lockhart Swimming Pool Complex with the donated aquatic wheelchair. Photo: Lockhart Shire Council.
Swimmers of all abilities in Lockhart Shire will now be able to access pools at its local aquatic centre after it secures a new Platypus Aquatic Wheelchair.
The wheelchair was donated by the Lockhart Anglers Club to bring more people to the pool.
Mayor Peter Sharp welcomed the gesture, saying the wheelchair would provide safer and more inclusive access to the water for people with limited mobility.
“Council is committed to ensuring our public facilities are accessible to everyone,” Councillor Sharp said.
“The donation of this Platypus Aquatic Wheelchair is a meaningful contribution that will allow more residents and visitors to enjoy our pool safely. We sincerely thank the Lockhart Anglers Club for their generosity and continued support of our community.
“With a 200-kilogram weight capacity and purpose-built aquatic design, the chair enables greater participation in swimming and recreational activities for all members of the community.
“The donation represents a positive step toward creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment at the Lockhart Swimming Pool Complex.”
A Lockhart Anglers Club representative, Megan McKenzie, said the group was pleased to contribute to a project that benefited the community.
“The Lockhart Anglers Club are always looking to give back to the community,” Ms McKenzie said.
“As someone working in disability care within the community, I noticed there was a gap in how people with mobility challenges were able to access the pool.
“It really highlighted that there wasn’t a suitable way for everyone to enter the facility, and we wanted to help change that. Accessibility is important, and it’s a passion of mine to see more of it prioritised within our community.”
The new wheelchair will be available for users later in the year when the pool season opens.
