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Page 1 www.dais.org.au
Welcome to the Summer 2012 edition of
Advance. As you will see from reading it, transport is a bit of a theme. Being able to use accessible and affordable public transport is essential. All people should be able to travel around the corner or fly across the country with relative ease and it should not cost more because you have extra needs or you use a mobility aid.
Recently my family and I travelled to Perth. We went complete with a motorised scooter and pram. Our biggest hassle was getting on the XPT at Albury to travel to Melbourne. The staff were more concerned with keeping to the timetable rather than ensuring the passengers were safely aboard and seated. Our first impression of arriving at Perth was that there were very few maxi taxis at the airport. The reason is that Perth does not need accessible taxies. Perth‟s public transport is very accessible. For two weeks we were able to travel throughout the city and suburbs with relative ease. Most of the buses are low floored so the scooter and pram were able to roll on. The same with the train. The platform and train were in perfect alignment which meant people can wheel on and off the train without the use of a ramp. To top it off, if assistance was required, people were very eager to lend a hand. If they can do it in Perth why can‟t we do it in the East?
DAIS has heard reports such as: MAXI taxies turn up to pick up passengers in
wheelchairs and the driver is not trained to assist.
The shuttle bus to take people from Wodonga CBD to the new railway station not turning up.
There is 2 or 3 hours between bus runs in Albury. If you miss the bus you can‟t just wait until the next bus.
If you have a public transport story, good or bad, let us know.
Martin Butcher Executive Officer
Summer 2012
Advance
DAIS nominated as recipient of AICD fund raising activity
DAIS was invited to attend the Albury Wodonga branch of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) long lunch, held at All Saints Estate winery, Rutherglen on Tuesday 29 November.
Martin Butcher, Michelle Critchley and Leigh Sanders from DAIS accompanied by volunteer Mavis Hyndman, enjoyed an impressive three course luncheon accompanied by matching wines.
As the nominated recipient of funds raised through various auctions during the event, the Albury Wodonga Justice Support Network coordinator Leigh Sanders, and Karen Bowley from the Hume Riverina Community Legal Service spoke to the AICD members about the importance and benefits of this community service.
The Albury Wodonga Justice Support Network wish to thank the AIDC for the opportunity to talk to business leaders and for their financial contribution to our court and police support service for people with a disability.
Page 2 www.dais.org.au
Jack Irvine Memorial Shield
Mr Jack Irvine passed away in May 2007. He was a foundation member of DAIS and served as President for many years. His commitment to lobbying for people with a disability to ensure their place in the community is acknowledged, valued and that their rights were upheld, was genuine and complete. Jack was an inspiration to many.
Jack Irvine Memorial Shield is awarded each year to an individual who has demonstrated simular attributes as Jack, including qualities of leadership, self advocacy and a champion for community inclusion. Like Jack, their activities will benefit the lives of people with a disability in the region and beyond. The Committee nominated Mr Neil von Schill.
2011 recipient is
Mr Neil von Schill
Neil was born in 1947. He contracted Polio in 1950 in Dubbo where he was hospitalised in isolation for six months. He is currently experiencing the Late Effects of Polio. Neil‟s profession is education where he taught for over thirty years including twenty years in regional NSW.
In 1985 he moved to this region and served as Principal at Culcairn Public School and remained there until his retirement in 1997.
Following the onset of the late effects of Polio Neil joined the Post-Polio Network (NSW) Inc in 1992 and became Convenor of the Albury/Wodonga Support Group. In 1999 Neil was elected to the Management Committee and for twelve years has been
Support Group Co-ordinator for the State. For seven years he had also been the Secretary of the Network. Neil was instrumental in the formation of Polio Australia in 2007. His work has included seven lobbying trips to Canberra to seek federal funding for Polio Australia.
In 2007 Neil joined the Management Committee of the Physical Disability Council of NSW. All of the work of the Physical Disability Council of NSW is focused strongly on full participation, equality of participation and citizenship.
Through his role as Vice-President, Neil has been working for the inclusion of people with physical disability. During 2008-11 Neil has assisted with facilitating community consultations and presenting a course for people with a disability titled “Defining Pathways” which focuses on empowerment, person centred planning, and mainstreaming. The workshop is designed to offer participants skills and strategies towards achieving personal goals.
Neil has been a member of the Albury Access Committee for the past 5 years. He was instrumental in developing the Open for Business Guide which has been distributed to all businesses in the CBD. The guide provides tips for local businesses on how to make their business more accessible to everyone. Neil participated in the launch of the Guide, helped promote the Guide in the media and has attended presentations with local businesses to promote the Guide. Neil helped coordinate the Disabili-tea on 2nd August this year. He worked with James Fallon students and families to put together a presentation and help raise the profile of the school and their need for a local bus to transport young people with special needs to community life skill programs and appointments.
Neil‟s hard work and commitment to improving the lives of people with a disability has taken its toll on his body. Over recent months he has needed to step down from many of his positions due to ill health.
Page 3 www.dais.org.au
New incentive to increase employment of people with a disability
NSW government supports the employment
of people with a disability through a tax
rebate.
The NSW Government has introduced
legislation to Parliament that will give
businesses a payroll tax rebate for hiring a
person with a disability.
NSW Minister for Disability Services, Andrew
Constance, said the Payroll Tax Rebate
Scheme (Disability Employment) Bill 2011 will
provide employers with a payroll tax rebate
of up to $4,000 per employee.
The rebate will apply to businesses that hire a
new employee out of the Transition to Work
program and will be paid in two equal parts,
after three months and after six months from
the hiring of a new employee.
“Transition to Work is a two-year program that
prepares school leavers for the workplace
with over 1,300 people currently taking part,”
Mr Constance said.
“The program has been successful in
achieving employment for the participants,
but more needs to be done to bridge the
gap in the unemployment rate of people
with a disability and the rest of the
community.”
The NSW Government has committed $2
million per annum over the next five years for
the scheme to apply from 1 January 2012.
The Office of State Revenue will administer
the rebate.
Details on how to apply for the rebate will be
available shortly and distributed via the
service provider portal.
Get connected with a low cost GreenPC computer
Green Peripherals and Components,
otherwise known as GreenPC, has now
developed as a successful social enter-
prise initiative of Infoxchange Australia.
Refurbished computers
These refurbished computers are thor-
oughly cleaned, tested and updated by
skilled technicians in Melbourne, before
being offered for sale to community
groups, low income individuals and the
general public. GreenPC computers are
internet ready, come with software in-
stalled and a 12-month warranty.
Computer packages
Packages start from $140 and include
Microsoft Windows 7 on selected mod-
els, WinZip, Acrobat Reader and Micro-
soft Office 2007* (Basic). Laptops start
from $200. Prices may change without
notice.
*Applies to healthcare and pension card
holders.
To find out more phone GreenPC on
03 9418 7439 or visit
www.greenpc.com.au
Page 4 www.dais.org.au
Bullying and intimidation
Have you
been bullied or intimidated? The Disability Discrimination Legal Service (DDLS) is giving you the chance to have your say and is trying to change the law to prevent humiliation and intimidation of people with disabilities in public, in the media, film, television and radio. DDLS would like your help by telling them your experience of bullying and intimidation.
The survey is available at the DAIS website www.dais.org.au Select services from the menu, then systemic advocacy. Scroll down to find Bullying and Intimidation survey information and survey attachment.
The survey is also available on request as hard copy from DAIS. Send completed survey to:
Disability Discrimination Legal Service Ross House Association, Inc. 2nd Floor, 247 Flinders Lane Melbourne, VIC 3000 Email [email protected]
“A Mother Weeps" Charity CD & DVD
This article comes from the desk of a former
advocate of DAIS who has a personal
connection to the family.
CD and DVD by Rebecca Barnard &
Models Super Orchestra.
This poignant song tells of a mother‟s love
for her teenage daughter. Gabby Larkin
died aged 16 from an extremely rare and
aggressive form of cancer and her mother,
Patrice, wrote a song as a tribute to her
teenage daughter. The song, “A Mother
Weeps”, has been recorded and released
as a CD single. All profits from this project
will be donated to cancer research.
Lead vocals are powerfully delivered by
Rebecca Barnard while music is supplied by
the Models Super Orchestra featuring Cal
McAlpine (drums), Mark Ferrie (bass), Billy
Miller (Lead guitar/Harmony), Sean Kelly
(Rhythm guitar/Harmony), Andrew Duffield
(Piano/Harmony) and Jack Howard
(Trumpet/Harmony).
The package includes a DVD showing the
musicians recording the song. To purchase
the CD/DVD:
• You can go into DISLOCATION (Leading
Edge) in Wangaratta at 47 Murphy Street or
call them on (03) 5721 4594 or email them
• The CD/DVD can also be purchased at
the Moyhu General Store, and by
calling Ph: (03) 5727 9260.
• Go to www.silverbulletrecords.com
An article on the family can be viewed at
the following address:
http://www.bordermail.com.au/news/
local/news/general/weeping-mum-finds-
solace-in-music/2350907.aspx
#@!!!
Women’s Health Goulburn North East provides interest free loans for women on low incomes living in the Hume region. If you have a health care card and are on a low income you could be eligible for a $2000 interest free loan. There are some eligibility requirements around length of residency at your current address. The loans are for purchasing whitegoods, furniture, one-off education expenses, medical expenses and vehicle repairs. The loans are not for emergency relief, bond or rent, living expenses or debts.
For more information contact Karen O‟Connor at Women‟s Health Goulburn NE on (03) 5722 3009.
Page 5 www.dais.org.au
DAIS Outreach for 2012
Advocates will provide an outreach service to rural communities in Victoria and NSW during 2012. To make an appointment phone DAIS on 1300 886 388 or (02) 6056 2420,
or email: [email protected]
Location & Time Date Location & Time Date
Deniliquin
10:30 am - 12:00 noon Neighbourhood Centre, Cnr Trickett & Napier Streets.
Finley 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm Community Health Centre, 24 Dawe Avenue.
February 16 May 17 July 19 September 20 November 15
Corryong
10.00 am - 12:00 noon Community Neighbourhood House, 41 Donaldson Street. *Relocating to 39 Hanson Street
(Currently Craft Shop) March - April 2012 Tallangatta 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm Community Education Centre (The Hub), 35-37 Towong Street.
February 23 March 15 April 19 May 24 June 21 July 19 August 16 September 20 October 18 November 15
Holbrook
9:30 am - 11:30 am Community Health Ser-vice, Bowler Street.
Culcairn 12:30 pm - 1:30pm Greater Hume Shire Council, 40 Balfour Street.
February 22 March 7
(Culcairn Only)
April 4 May 2 June 27 August 8 September 5 October 3 November 14
Corowa
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Corowa Community Hub Shop 9 Corowa Arcade Sanger Street.
February 22 March 7 April 4 May 2 June 6 July 25 August 8 September 5 November 7
Rutherglen
10:00 am - 12:00 noon Indigo North Health, 168 High Street.
February 22 April 4 June 6 August 8 October10
Chiltern
10:00 am - 12 noon Indigo North Health, Main Street.
March 7 May 2 July 25 September 5 November 7
Myrtleford
10:00 am - 12 noon O & K Community Health Service, 32 Smith Street.
February 16 March 22 May 3 June 14 August 2 September 13 October 18 November 15
Mansfield
10:30 am – 12:30 pm Delatite Community Health Service, Buckland Place.
February 23 March 29 April 26 May 24 June 28 July 26 August 23 September 27 October 25 November 22
Page 6 www.dais.org.au
Taxi services and what they mean for regional Victorians The Taxi Industry Inquiry is a wide-ranging review of Victoria‟s
taxi industry. The inquiry will recommend a set of reforms to
the Victorian Government focused on achieving better
outcomes for the travelling public in the areas of service, safety and competition. Taxis play
an important role in regional Victoria, connecting communities where there is limited access
to public transport services.
What the inquiry has heard so far
The inquiry received more than 180 submissions in response to the Setting the Scene
background paper, released in May last year. A number of these submissions were from taxi
user groups, councils and taxi operators based in regional Victoria.
The submissions and consultations to date highlight that not only are regional taxi issues very
different from those experienced in metropolitan Melbourne, but also that transport needs
and the delivery of taxi services vary enormously from town to town and region to region.
Taxi use in regional communities
Feedback suggests that during the day elderly people accessing social and health services
are major taxi users, accounting for up to 80 per cent of trips, while at night passengers are
often younger people returning home from hotels and pubs.
In many regional communities where there are limited public transport or community
transport options, there is a heavy reliance on taxis, particularly by people with mobility
disadvantage, which makes taxis a vital social service. The Multi Purpose Taxi Program
attempts to address transport disadvantage by offering subsidised taxi travel but, for many
people in remote locations, using a taxi is still cost prohibitive.
As a result, people may choose not to travel or to limit their travel due to the cost and
availability of suitable transport options. The inquiry is interested in whether more flexible taxi
services (such as taxi-buses) could uncover a wider customer base and different user groups.
For users of taxi services, key issues include:
Growing demand for taxi services, particularly wheelchair accessible services, to meet the needs of an ageing population.
Need for flexible, affordable transport services to better connect remote and transport
disadvantaged communities, improve access to social and health services and enable a better quality of life.
Cost of taxis is prohibitive for people in remote locations that need to travel long distances
to access basic services.
Poor availability of taxis to service regional areas, particularly on weekends, during the peak tourist season and for special events.
Better integration and coordination of taxi services with public transport and community transport.
No access to the Multi Purpose Taxi Program subsidy for members of the community who
are transport disadvantaged.
Page 7 www.dais.org.au
Taxi operations in regional communities
The majority of regional taxi licences tend to be operated by the licence holders, rather than
an assignee, and in many circumstances the licence holder will also drive. The inquiry
understands that over 90 per cent of regional taxis are pre-booked with only a small
proportion of jobs coming through rank work, mainly late at night near hotel and club venues.
Regional taxis service large areas which can result in high „dead running‟ time to service jobs
out of town. Flagfall and distance fares are marginally higher in country areas to compensate
for dead running times.
Feedback to the inquiry suggests that country taxis provide a good, personalised service.
Drivers know the roads well and often go the extra mile for their passengers. Much of this is
attributed to the closer relationship between the licence owner, operator and driver and the
localised training and standards imposed on drivers by operators. Compared to Melbourne,
there are also fewer safety concerns for drivers and passengers due to passengers often
knowing their driver, the high upkeep of vehicles and initiatives such as safe taxi ranks.
Questions for taxi users: What does your ideal taxi service look like? Consider these aspects: cost/price, availability, reliability, safety, accessibility, booking a taxi, wait times.
How important are the following to you?
The colour and branding of taxis
Advertising on taxis
Flexibility of services
Innovation/new types of services
How can we improve the service to regional Victoria?
Should taxis be considered as part of public transport?
What changes are required to the Multi Purpose Taxi Program?
How can taxi services be used more flexibly to meet the needs of the local community?
Would share ride or fixed fare services work in your community?
What are the impacts of reforming taxi services?
Across Victoria and internationally, there are examples of taxis being used in more flexible
ways. Successful taxi-bus models have included well organised central booking offices,
partnership with local business and government, service promotion, a well informed customer
base and a sound knowledge of capacity constraints so vehicles can be deployed.
Contact the Taxi Industry Inquiry You are welcome to contact the inquiry and provide feedback in the following ways:
Email: [email protected]
Follow on Twitter: www.twitter.com/taxiinquiry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TaxiIndustryInquiry
Write to: Taxi Industry Inquiry, Locked Bag 20046, Melbourne VIC 3001
Telephone: 1800 TAXI II (1800 829 444) or for detailed information about the enquiry and an
online survey for Taxi Users go to: taxiindustryinquiry.vic.gov.au
Page 8 www.dais.org.au
SYSTEMIC ADVOCACY
Court decision over
discrimination by airline
to be appealed
As a systemic advocacy issue DAIS
supports the decision of Ms Sheila King to
appeal last week‟s Federal Court decision in favour of Jetstar.
Ms King, who uses a wheelchair, was refused travel on a Jetstar flight due to the
“quota” of 2 wheelchair users per flight being already met on that flight.
It is extremely disappointing that the assistance provided to people with disabilities in
order to access something so basic as transport, is viewed as being so onerous that
Jetstar would prefer to litigate to maintain that position, rather than seek some more
flexible resolution.
Jetstar had argued that the time and trouble it required to assist a person in a
wheelchair interfered with its ability to provide cheap flights to the rest of the public.
“It seems that Jetstar is concerned with profit margin over the rights of people with
disabilities to have the same access to cheap fares as other people do,” said Disability
Advocacy Victoria Board Member, Julie Phillips. “There are other groups of people
that require special assistance boarding planes, such as families with young children,
but it seems there is no quota for those groups. Let's just hope members of the
Paralympic sports teams don't attempt to fly Jetstar - clearly they will be
disappointed.”
A recent study by Price Waterhouse Cooper claimed that the quality of life for people
with disabilities in Australia was the worst in the developed world, with almost half living
in or near a state of poverty. It is this group that can ill afford the luxury of flying
whenever they want by choosing one of the other more expensive airlines.
If you feel you have been discriminated against by an airline DAIS would like to hear
about it. Phone DAIS on 02 6056 2420 or email [email protected]
Chris Morris
Chair of DAIS and Disability Advocacy Victoria
Page 9 www.dais.org.au
Improved Freedom of Information through new Watchdog
The Baillieu government in Victoria is currently seeking a new head of
freedom of information, to act as a commissioner to ensure reviews are
at arm‟s length from government. The FOI commissioner will be
responsible for the review of decisions by departments, investigating
complaints and seizing documents to determine if information should be released publically.
The position of commissioner will negate the current control by departments and agencies
who determine whether information should be released and also the review process of FOI
applicants not satisfied with a response. People will be able to complain to this independent
umpire who will operate under sweeping changes to the freedom of information laws.
While this new direction by the Baillieu government will address many of the concerns over
FOI, the new watchdog will not be operational until the first half of next year. Associate
Professor Rick Snell, an FOI expert said, „The idea of having a specialised body devoted to
information is a worthwhile path in helping to make the system work.‟
In 2009-10 31,343 people tried to access documents through freedom of information laws yet
one in four requests were not granted full access and 427 applicants sought a review.
Five year old AFICIO MP350 B&W photocopier
Functions 1,000 sheet finisher
Sorts, stacks and staples copies Auto document feeder Four paper trays Fax and email function Scan and send to computer function Windows and Mac compatible Includes manuals and software
Contact DAIS on 02 6056 2420
Self Advocacy Training DAIS is offering free self advocacy training workshops for people with a disability and their parents and carers in Wodonga and Benalla on a regular basis. This training will help you to speak up for yourself, reach goals, take better control of your life and get the same things as other people in the community.
Topics covered are:
Self-advocacy, Know your rights, Problem solving, How to make a complaint, Conflict resolution and Dealing with authorities.
Free self advocacy workshops
For people with a disability, their parents
and carers
Wodonga DAIS
20 Stanley Street Phone 02 6056 2420
1300 886 388
10am - 12 noon Monday 13 February Monday 27 February Tuesday 13 March Monday 26 March
Benalla Contact DAIS for location details
1300 886 388
10am - 12 noon Tuesday 21 February Tuesday 6 March Monday 19 March
FOR SALE Excellent condition
$500
Print Post Publication Number PP347637/00032
PO Box 982 Wodonga VIC 3689
Post Paid
Australia
Have you looked at our new website yet !
www.dais.org.au
Check out INFOTREE It is continually being updated with new information
Events Conferences News HACC Disability Meetings Activities Training opportunities Transport issues
Alternate formats: This newsletter is available in audio and in electronic format. If you would prefer to listen to it or have it emailed to you please contact DAIS.
Contact DAIS
Phone (02) 6056 2420
Toll free 1300 886 388
Email [email protected]
Office 20 Stanley Street Wodonga
Mail PO Box 982 Wodonga VIC 3689
Web www.dais.org.au
