ACT Parks and Conservation Service launches new accessibility program

The ACT Parks and Conservation Service has launched the TrailRider volunteer sherpa program, an initiative that aims to make the beauty of the ACT’s national parks and nature reserves more accessible to people with mobility impairment.

At Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve the program includes the TrailRider, an all-terrain wheelchair for mobility impaired visitors. With the wheelchair needing two ‘sherpas’ to guide and support it through the varied terrain of ACT’s parks and reserves, volunteer sherpas are being sought to rmove the need for visitors to have to provide their own.

ACT Parks and Conservation Regional Manager Brett McNamara explains “we would like to extend an invitation to the broader community to take part in the TrailRider volunteer sherpa program.

“If you enjoy bushwalking and would like to help others discover the natural beauty of the great outdoors, becoming a sherpa could be perfect for you.

“Exploring the beautiful surrounds of Canberra’s nature reserves, parks and open spaces is an opportunity that everyone should be able to enjoy. The TrailRider has already made the bush accessible to many and we hope the volunteer sherpa program will allow more people to enjoy the great outdoors. .

“Gang-gang cockatoos, grey fantails, hooded robins and groups of small bush birds such as thornbills are some of the native species you may see as a volunteer sherpa on a TrailRider tour.

“If you are lucky you may even see other animals like the eastern long-necked turtle or the red-necked wallaby.”

For more information email glenn.charnock@act.gov.au

28th June 2014 - 30 YEARS OF NAMADGI NATIONAL PARK AND 100 YEARS OF THE COTTER CATCHMENT