Having resigned from the DIAAC in May 2021, frustrated by its slow-moving processes, Coffs Harbour’s Hank Duchateau has been monitoring the committee’s progress since he left.

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According to Hank, there hasn’t been any.

He then wrote to CoCH to express his concerns, receiving the following reply from Council staff.

“The City’s Disability Inclusion and Access Advisory Committee is active, however there have not been any recent committee meetings.

“It is anticipated a future meeting will be held in 2024.”

The last recorded meeting was held on October 22, 2022, with a date then set for a meeting on Friday 9 December 2022 which never took place.

Hank, who has lived with a disability since an injury in 1993, was a member of the committee for over 20 years.
“We met monthly for all those years,” he said.

“I even got a 20-year pin and recognition certificate from them.”

He is frustrated by the lack of interest he believes is currently being shown by CoCH in operating an active DIAAC and improving access and inclusion for people with disability.

“My injury is not what makes me disabled.

“It is society that disables me because of my injury,” Hank told News Of The Area.

“To me the few wins, (for example) at C.ex Stadium, the purchase of beach mats and beach wheelchairs, and inclusive changing rooms at the beaches and sports grounds, were gained by the Committee having to work hard at many meetings.

“We should not have had to push so hard at all.

“In 2021 we should have been a redundant committee – not needed anymore.

“20 years and a few wins does not make an equal society for people with a disability.”

Hank said the slow progress on improving accessibility and inclusion in society is simply “not acceptable”.

“We have seen Governments at all levels change things in a single day because of Covid, a small virus, but people with disabilities must be patient for change.

“There was even a Royal Commission into abuse and neglect of people with a disability.

“In 2021, that should not be a problem, but still is,” he stated.

“From 1993 to now, my main focus was to have a life as close as possible to before my injuries.

“But found many barriers placed in front of me, by indifference and attitudes, by physical barriers, by snide remarks and lack of respect to me as an individual.

“These are still prevalent, and I am constantly reminded of them on a regular basis.”

Today, focusing on his ambassador roles and his School Mentor and Adaptive Sport programs, Hank is urging CoCH to up the ante on catering to and for people living with disability.

“At least make sure the DIAAC is operating with engaged committee members and regular meetings starting early in 2024,” he said.

“Have an active advisory committee and do not tie their hands,” he said.

When approached for comment, a City of Coffs Harbour spokesperson told NOTA, “It is anticipated the next meeting of the City’s Disability Inclusion and Access Advisory Committee will be held in 2024.

“Anyone wishing to liaise or consult with the City is encouraged to get in touch via phone, email or in person, to be directed to the most relevant business area for assistance.”

By Andrea FERRARI