Published on Wednesday, 13 December 2023 at 8:02:21 PM
The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder is proud to have been announced as the winner of the Public Open Spaces category at the 2023 Most Accessible Community Awards WA today.
Recognising the City's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, the Award celebrates the successful Outback on Ice – Pop-up Project, which saw the City bring an ice-skating ring to Kalgoorlie-Boulder earlier this year.
This is the second Most Accessible Community WA Award for the City, following a win in the Digital Technology category last December. This Award recognised the City for outstanding service to the community for work done to improve access and inclusion at City events and activities.
Mayor Glenn Wilson expressed his delight in the City’s most recent accomplishment stating this Award is a testament to the City's commitment to creating inclusive spaces for all members of our community.
“This year’s Pop-Up Project exemplified our dedication to accessibility and diversity, ensuring that every resident, regardless of ability, could enjoy our public spaces and this new and unique event.”
“The giant ice-skating rink was a fantastic experience for children and families, who came from across the Goldfields-Esperance region. It not only brought joy to community members and visitors but also showcased the City's commitment to embracing diversity and fostering social bonds."
"We wanted to ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities, could enjoy the ice-rink experience. Our focus on inclusivity involved close collaboration with local organisations such as GIFSA, EPIC, and KalAbility, as well as other comprehensive stakeholder engagement."
The City organised several sensory sessions catering to patrons with disabilities and sensory needs. These sessions aligned with the City's Access and Inclusion Plan 2021/26, linking initiatives to broader outcomes also aligning with the City’s Strategic Community Plan 2020/30.
In addition to reducing the maximum number of skaters at any one time and providing free entry for companions during sensory sessions, the City actively engaged with community members, families with disabilities, and local disability organisations to ensure a holistic and inclusive approach throughout the school holiday event.
“Our consultation and collaboration with suppliers, engineers, accessibility experts, and local stakeholders were integral in shaping the project,” said Mayor Wilson.
“From selecting an appropriate location, creating accessible pathways to sensory-friendly sessions - every aspect was carefully considered to make the ice-rink experience truly inclusive."
“The City is honoured to receive this Award and looks forward to continuing our efforts to create welcoming spaces for all residents, where everyone can participate and thrive.”
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