Australia’s first ever accessible Alpine accommodation under construction at Falls Creek

Construction of Australia’s first purpose-built alpine accommodation for people living with a disability is underway at Falls Creek.

Soon to become the home of Disabled Wintersport Australia, the Howmans Gap Alpine Centre at Falls Creek will offer 36 beds, so that participants of all abilities can get out and challenge themselves on Victoria’s ski fields.

The $3.1 million development, funded by the Victorian Government will open more doors for people living with a disability to participate in Disabled Wintersport Australia’s fun Snow Sport and Green Season Program.

It’s also set to play a key role ushering in the next generation of elite champions with the centre to become a high performance training base for Winter Paralympic Games stars like Sochi 2014 bronze medallists Jessica Gallagher and Toby Kane.

The Howmans Gap Alpine Centre is being developed with universal design principles at its heart, making sure people living with a disability can participate in the sports they love feeling safe and independent.

The centre is being delivered in partnership with Victorian YMCA and Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA).

Turning the first sod to start construction of the Centre, Victorian Minister for Disability and Ageing and Acting Minister for Sport Martin Foley stated “the Howmans Gap Alpine Centre will be the first of its kind in Australia.

“We’re proud to be playing a part in ensuring nobody faces barriers to the sports they love.”

Image: Matthew Charles-Jones (YMCA), David Strickland (Sport and Recreation Victoria), Minister Martin Foley and Jim Blackburn (DWA) mark the start of construction of the Howmans Gap Alpine Centre. Courtesy of DWA.

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