By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
AFTER almost two weeks of walking throughout the City of Casey, Mayor Amanda Stapledon is almost ready to put her feet up after her incredibly rewarding Walk for Disability.
Cr Stapledon has visited a range of places throughout her walk, including the Fisherman’s Cottage Museum in Tooradin, where she was lucky enough to take a tour of the abode.
“We saw so many historic items including knife cleaners, old kerosene irons, daily household items from another era including items I had not seen before,” she said.
“The cottage is beautifully decorated in period style and gave a real sense of how people lived when life was a little slower.”
The mayor also visited Pearcedale Primary School where she took part in the students’ assembly.
“It was thought-provoking to see so many hands go up when I asked if the students knew of anyone in their circle of family and friends who had a disability,” Cr Stapledon said.
“The school also supports 17 students who are either deaf or have a hearing impairment and while speaking we had an interpreter using sign language to convey my message to the children, to them.”
It wasn’t the only school the Mayor visited. Cr Stapledon stopped by Cranbourne Secondary College on Tuesday to speak with both the students and teachers.
In a summary of her walk before she began, Cr Stapledon said that any school or organisation which hosts her during her walk is playing part in raising awareness for disability.
“By accommodating my visit you will assist me in supporting the campaign to increase respite and supported accommodation for the City of Casey,” she said
“It provides an outstanding opportunity for you to raise the profile of your organisation.”
The mayor also outlined the importance of raising awareness for disability.
“The access to more respite, and respite that is flexible, remains a concern that is often raised with me,” she said.
“We all understand the value and importance of early intervention, and carers and service providers have raised concern over the lack of these services in Casey.”
Keep up to date with the Mayor’s walk by visiting her Star News blog, http://blog.starcommunity.com.au/mayors-walk-for-disability/
