SOME of the candidates at Thursday's forum identified themselves as disability advocates and expressed a commitment to work to attract more disability tourism for Bathurst.
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One of the questions at the event on Thursday asked candidates what efforts they would make to ensure the Bathurst local government area is able to attract more of the disability tourism dollar, which is in excess of $8 billion annually.
Nick Packham was quick to take to the stage, despite his number two, Sharon Sewell, representing Group G up to that point.
As the CEO of Vivability, with more than 30 years' experience working in the disability sector, he was able to talk about the potential Bathurst has.
"We need to have facilities for people so they can actually come to Bathurst and be confident they are well catered for," Mr Packham said.
"... Because we have some great organisations in Bathurst that are leaders in their field, there's no reason Bathurst can't be seen as a place that specialises in disability tourism and can showcase for the rest of the country and region what's possible for people with disabilities."
He spoke of the need to have a map that identifies where there are facilities for people with disabilities, saying it would be a priority for him if elected.
Marg Hogan, the lead candidate for Group E, also answered the question and encouraged the installation of a Liberty Swing.
She said it would be an attraction for people with disability to visit Bathurst.
Mayor Ian North, who is heading up Group C, wants to see the council continue to work with the Bathurst Regional Access Committee to identify and address issues in the community.
"[Interim chairman Bob Triming] and the access committee regularly raise issues," he said. "... I don't walk in Bob's shoes, I don't understand the issues he has, so I've got to rely on people like Bob to tell me what we need to do, and that's what it is, listening to people like Bob and making things better."
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