A Wheelchair-Accessible Haven: Embracing Freedom in Mount GambierIn the heart of the enchanting Mount Gambier lies a haven like no other. Completed in July 2023, this remarkable property offers two fully equipped wheelchair-accessible self-contained accommodations. City Edge Apartments are setting new standards for inclusivity and comfort.Ideally located approximately 450 km from both Melbourne and Adelaide, this modern and spacious retreat welcomes travellers. The property invites them to experience the beauty and warmth of Mount Gambier without any limitations. So Many Accessible Features: Embracing Freedom in Mount GambierFrom the moment you step inside, the thoughtfully designed features of these accessible properties leave a lasting impression. Focusing on providing convenience, each detail has been carefully crafted to ensure a seamless and enjoyable stay for every guest.The bathrooms are equipped with fixed grab rails, and the accessible toilets boast comfortable backrests, ensuring safety and ease of use. The wheel-under vanity allows for effortless manoeuvrability, while the shower options cater to individual preferences, offering a fold-down seat or a free-standing seat. To assist those who may require additional support, a commode and an electric lifter is available on-site. Note that booking prior to arrival is required. The bedrooms offer more than just a place to rest. Electric beds with individual positioning, along with a high-low function for caregivers, ensure the highest level of comfort and convenience. Allowing a generous weight rating of 150 kg, these beds are designed to accommodate various needs. Wide doorways, with the narrowest measuring 850 mm and most spanning 920 mm, allow for easy passage throughout the property. Fostering A Sense Of TogethernessIn the heart of this accessible haven lies the fully functional kitchen, designed with wheelchair users in mind. Electric height adjustable cooktop and glide-under sink, alongside the side-opening oven, allow guests to cook and utilise the kitchen independently. Emphasising inclusivity and socialization, the open-plan kitchen/lounge/dining area invites guests to gather, fostering a sense of togetherness.

Hollyhall Farm – An Accessible ParadiseDuring our recent stay at Hollyhall Farm in the Southern Highlands, we had an incredible experience that I cannot recommend enough. As a family with a daughter (Grace), who relies on a wheelchair due to a rare genetic movement disorder, finding suitable accommodation can be challenging. However, Jan and John, the hosts of Hollyhall Farm, went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and satisfaction throughout our stay. Hollyhall Farm really was An Accessible Paradise. A Warm Welcome at An Accessible ParadiseFrom the moment we arrived, Jan and John greeted us warmly and made sure we had everything we needed. They even provided us with a commode to facilitate Grace's needs. It was evident that they truly understood the unique challenges faced by families living with disabilities. Each night, they would check in on us and ensure we had enough wood for the fire, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, they organized a special bonfire experience for our boys, showing their kindness and generosity. A Truly Accessible CottageThe accessibility of the cottage was remarkable. It was designed to be fully wheelchair accessible and even had a hoist available. This attention to detail and consideration for individuals with disabilities made our stay incredibly smooth and stress-free.The cottage itself was well-equipped with essential pantry items and even had a coffee machine for those much-needed morning pick-me-ups. The cleanliness and warmth of the cottage was exceptional, and the beds provided a comfortable and restful night's sleep. Meeting The Locals at Hollyhall FarmOne of the highlights of our stay was the opportunity for Grace to go horse riding. The horses at Hollyhall Farm were remarkable, displaying gentleness and understanding. With the help of her father and brother, Grace was able to enjoy horse riding several times during our stay. Jan, in particular, was determined to make equestrian experiences accessible to people with disabilities, and her dedication truly shone through.

A Seamless Stay: Accessibility Excellence at Rydges Fortitude ValleyWhen we embarked on our recent weekend getaway, we were on the lookout for a hotel that would not just provide comfort but also cater to accessibility needs. Our seamless stay at Rydges Fortitude Valley turned out to be an exceptional experience right from the moment we arrived. From thoughtful parking arrangements to spacious and accessible rooms, we were pleasantly surprised at every turn.     A Warm Welcome and Suitable ParkingAccessibility starts at the very beginning of the journey, and they nailed it. As we pulled up at the reception doors, my husband easily parked our Accessible Connections wheelchair-accessible vehicle. I exited our accessible van through the rear ramp access with ease and safety. To my right, there was a ramp leading me straight into the reception area. This smooth and hassle-free arrival set the tone for the entire stay.

Accessible Accommodation were thrilled that Libby Coker, Member of Parliament representing the Corangamite Region celebrated our win at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in her speech in Parliament House, Canberra today.Here is the transcript:The Electorate of Corangamite in Victoria is a beautiful place home to the Great Ocean Road, the stunning surf coast and the Bellarine Peninsula. Our hospitality and excellence in tourism is well known. Our message to visitors is come and experience our unique natural beauty taste the flavours and quality of our food and wine and of course.And it's a message that is reflected in the extraordinary achievement of three local businesses who won gold, silver and bronze at the recent Australian Tourism Awards in Darwin and as chair of the NDIS Joint Standing Committee, I was thrilled to congratulate the silver medal winner, Kerry Williams, who took out the accessible tourism category. This result reflects Kerry's hard work, determination and excellence not only in enhancing our region's tourism industry, but also in leading the way in creating tourism accommodation that is inclusive and accessible for all.Her award is well deserved and I'm confident her success will inspire others to create to create innovative, accessible accommodation that supports people with disability. And it's a great business opportunity that addresses growing demand, deputy speaker Australia's tourism and travel industry delivers more than 60 Billion dollars to the economy and supports more than 650,000 jobs and 350,000 businesses across the country.

Accessible AND Pet-Friendly Accommodation- is that possible? Yes, it is! It used to be such a challenge finding accommodation that is truly accessible, let alone allowing us to take our treasured pooch on a holiday. Not anymore.Accessible Accommodation have several pet-friendly holiday accommodation locations around Australia. Our tribe of property owners are dog lovers too. Let me share them with you.CITY PET-FRIENDLY STAYSVictoriaQuest Mont AlbertPet-friendly apartments. No longer do you have to stress about leaving your best friend behind.Quest St Kilda RoadStay in the beautiful apartments in St Kilda with your pet.Quest DandenongFeel at home in peaceful surroundings. Small/Medium dogs are accepted, fee applies.Quest Dandenong CentralFully accessible property with five accessible apartments. Pets are welcome.

Pathways to Mental health offers short-term accommodation (STA) and respite, with therapeutic services centred around animal therapy with NDIS-approved service. Sounds interesting? It is!  Read more about this unique service, set up by Sally Mills, who has worked in Mental Health for 30 years. Sally realised there was something missing in mental well-being, and set about to change that.About Pathways to Mental Health.Pathways to Mental health grew when both Sally’s love of animals and nature came together with a deep passion to provide ‘out of the box’ therapy. To provide an environment where people would feel safe to heal, grow and blossom.  Just as our original inhabitants, (in Aboriginal culture) focus on listening and responding to what we, others and our natural environment needs. This is where Pathway's slogan ‘earth care, people care and fair share’  is drawn from. It is this deep connection to each other and the earth that makes up good well-being. To be healthy physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally, we need to practice behaviours that contribute to this connection. And that’s where her therapy team come in. Sally’s therapy team are registered, experienced and highly motivated to work with you so that you fulfil your expectations and goals in a stunning farmland setting.AccommodationThe Accommodation:The accommodation is set in the centre of the farm and surrounded by animals. Beautiful big clear night skies and peace and quiet (apart from the odd "Eeyore" from the resident donkey ). The cottage is brand new and is well equipped with all that you need. There is a huge alfresco area to enjoy the cool breeze and watch the animals pass by. There is a fully fitted kitchen with a dishwasher and washing machine and an open-style shower room / wet room. All beds are extremely comfortable with good-quality mattresses.There is a step-free shower, a shower chair, fixed grab rails, and of course, step-free throughout. Free wifi and air conditioning are there for your comfort too.

Interview With 94.7 The Pulse Radio -How Accessible Accommodation Came To Be.Today I was interviewed by 94.7 The Pulse Radio, discussing Accessible Accommodation.We explained how it started; because our family has so many issues finding accessible accommodation. How, no matter how many questions I asked, we still arrived to find there was no way mum could get in the shower.Listen to the interview. Pulse Radio -Accessible AccommodationHow far we have come! Over 130 places to stay, from Houseboats, Resorts, Hotels and Holiday Homes, to even Glamping! Each of them qualified with over 50 frequently asked questions, video tours and lots of photos of the bathrooms.We discussed how NDIS has freed up people with disabilities savings. My first feedback was from a lady who had to save $15,000 to $18,000 every two years to replace her electric wheelchair. She was over the moon, as there were now options to take a holiday, something she has not had in over 15 years.