Doors no longer a disability

Paul Dunlop
‘DISABILITYfriendly’ doors at the Cardinia Cultural Centre have been replaced — so people in wheelchairs can open them.
Complaints from residents prompted the council to install automated doors at the entrance to the landmark Pakenham building.
The council’s general manager of community wellbeing Fiona Hodges said the new doors were installed a fortnight ago.
“This is a fantastic outcome for enhanced accessibility for this facility,” Ms Hodges said.
Ms Hodges said the previous large glass doors had complied with building regulations but it had been determined that automatic doors were a better option.
Her comments at the council’s meeting last Monday came in response to a question from Central Ward councillor Brett Owen.
Cr Owen had led the push for the doors to be replaced, first raising the issue in March after receiving complaints from residents.
He welcomed the improved access, saying it corrected a “mistake of the past”.
Cr Owen said several people had contacted him with concerns. He said he believed the council could do more to make life easier for residents in wheelchairs.
“Good governance is about acknowledging mistakes,” Cr Owen said.
“I want to ensure these mistakes are not made again.”
Pakenham man John Thomson is one person who has had trouble getting where he wants to go.
Mr Thomson said he had previously tried to attend functions at the cultural centre but couldn’t get in.
Mr Thomson acknowledged the cultural centre, Services Central in Henry Street and other buildings were certified ‘disabilityfriendly’ but did not believe the regulations went far enough.
“I should have rights the same as an ablebodied person,” he said.