Disabled equipment for pool

Disabled access equipment costing $25,000 has been installed in the Peninsula Leisure Centre.

A new electronic adult-sized change table, mobile electric lifting hoist and ceiling tracking system have been installed to make the 25m hydrotherapy pool more accessible to use.

Day coordinator Ms Robyn Black from disability services agency Coastlink said that Gosford Council had listened about the need for specialist equipment and acted on the concerns "promptly", allowing for clients like Jill Dainton to feel the water for the first time.

"When Jill was first hoisted into the lovely warm water, she cried with happiness," Ms Black said.

"It's been awfully hard for people like Jill to have to watch others enjoying themselves.

"Now she can get into the water like everyone else."

The adult-sized change table made it much more comfortable and dignified for people who need assistance, as well as safer for carers, Ms Black said.

"Everyone has the right to use community facilities and it is very pleasing that Council has seen this need and acted on it," Ms Black said.

"The staff have also been fabulous in ensuring the equipment is always in place for when we arrive at the pool."

The centre already has disabled facilities including hearing loops, ramped entrances, recessed entrance counters, Braille signage, ramped pools, a wet wheel chair and a hydro chair.

Press release, 13 Feb 2008 Kate Carragher, Gosford Council