THE Bathurst Eisteddfod is all about providing opportunities to perform in front of an audience, but for some that opportunity isn’t as easy to access.
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Each year, the eisteddfod is a destination for individuals and schools, some of which have students who require wheelchairs.
The ones who do require wheelchairs can’t access the stage at the venue, Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre (BMEC), through the main entrance.
Instead, they need to use the rear entrance.
A member of the Bathurst Eisteddfod Committee said that the entrance is problematic every year for those in wheelchairs and their carers trying to access the stage.
They need to be guided from the front of the building, up Russell Street and into Court House Lane, where they follow the path up to the ramp at the back entrance.
“For them to participate in any way, they have to come in through this way,” the committee member said.
They said that this journey has to be done in rain or shine, daylight or at night.
The solution, they said, would be a drop-off zone near the door for a van to stop briefly to let someone in a wheelchair out.
More importantly, a section of the gutter directly in front of the ramp would need to be cut out.
“All we need is a 10-minute drop zone so there is somewhere safe to get them into the building so they can perform,” the committee member said.
They have taken the suggestion to Bathurst Regional Council on several occasions, but there have been no changes.
Adding to the accessibility issues, upon entry through the back door, there are stairs directly ahead of the door that lead further down into the building.
The committee member said that putting a gate across the stairs would limit the danger and provide overall safer access for people in wheelchairs.
They hope council will take the safety concerns seriously and improve the access at the old building.
“They can’t rip out walls, that’s unrealistic, but we can do something to make it safer and the first step is the gutter,” they said.
Council’s director of Cultural and Community Services, Alan Cattermole, said a variety of facilities in Bathurst cater to people with disabilities and they are dedicated to continually improving access.
“Council's Disability Inclusion Action Plan encompasses review and future upgrade of council facilities to ensure accessibility,” he said.
“The review includes a comprehensive needs assessment for BMEC to identify areas of improvement.
“Council welcomes community feedback and will investigate options improving access at the rear of the facility.”
