WITH the aim of raising money to reduce the physical barriers at the Ballarat Tool Library, Thane Bourne is undertaking a fundraising walk along the Goldfields Track.<\/p>\n
Mr Bourne describes himself as a \u201cweekend warrior\u201d and joined the library to get better access to the tools he needs for jobs around the house.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought this is a really good idea and I wanted to do something to support them,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI work in disability services so I got talking to a couple of the organisers and asked if there was anything they might be looking for in terms of making it more accessible.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe came up with a couple of ideas and I\u2019ve been helping them write grant applications and now the fundraiser as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
With an initial goal of $1000, Mr Bourne said the library would use the money for the first step in its Roll In project, aimed at making the space more accessible and buy a height adjustable work bench.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe library has several volunteers who have physical, mobility issues,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cA height adjustable work bench would make the general workspace more accessible for those volunteers, and more ergonomic and easier to use.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve applied for funding for an occupational therapist to do an assessment of the Tool Library\u2019s overall workspace, looking to improve circulation space.<\/p>\n
\u201cDown the track if there was a wheelchair user or someone who\u2019s physical mobility needs were a bit more pronounced, the workspace could be organised in a way it would allow someone like that to be part of the Tool Library as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Tool Library is membership based, with members able to lend out equipment, such as gardening, woodworking, and home repair tools.<\/p>\n