By Meg Kennedy<\/p>\n
The word \u2018Sherpa\u2019 may evoke images of the chilling, unforgiving extremes of the Himalayas; but a program that creates accessibility for everyone in our local forests and parks is available closer to home.
\nSherpa programs run in many of Victoria\u2019s national and state parks, yet you may be surprised to learn that Moorabool Shire has its own \u2018TrailRider\u2019 \u2013 an all-terrain wheelchair that allows those with physical and mobility issues to access areas that are difficult to get to.
\nBut unfortunately, it\u2019s barely used.
\nBev Watson, Rural Access Worker at Moorabool Shire Council, says although Council has had a TrailRider since 2012, \u201cit hasn\u2019t been used much.\u201d
\n\u201cThere have been a number of attempts to attract Sherpas and promote the TrailRider, but not a lot of success,\u201d she said, highlighting that its main user over the years has been Blackwood Special School.
\nFollowing the recent opening of the Marveloo in Bacchus Marsh, at which the Trailrider was on display, it is hoped the increase of access facilities for those living with a disability will encourage use of the TrailRider.
\n\u201c\u2026The biggest thing to try and make sure people are aware of when they use the TrailRider, that they need Sherpas. Then try and create a little bank of volunteers, or a big bank of volunteers would be even better.
\n\u201cIdeally, what I\u2019d like to do is if we got some Sherpas, we could work with Parks [Victoria] to identify some accessible tracks,\u201d she said.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s such a great resource, and it\u2019s a thing that so many people take for granted\u2026this is a resource that actually provides an opportunity for those people who don\u2019t get that opportunity otherwise.\u201d
\nParks Victoria currently run their own Volunteer Program in the Halls Gap\/Grampians Region and Dandenong Ranges, and will be holding their own information session on becoming a Sherpa in these areas.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s a really relaxing way to go for a walk, have a chat, get to know them and provide this experience,\u201d said Parks Victoria Halls Gap Community Engagement Ranger Hannah Auld.
\nParks Victoria will be holding a Sherpa volunteer information session on Sunday 3 February 2019, which cover TrailRider usage and safety, as well as tracks around the Grampians area.
\nThe session will meet at Brambuk Cultural Centre in Halls Gap and will run from 10am-4pm.
\nFor more information on the Halls Gap information session, contact Hannah Auld on 0498 777 615 or hannah.auld@parks.vic.gov.au.
\nThe Moorabool Shire Council TrailRider can be booked for free at the Bacchus Marsh Lerderderg Library.
\nFor more information on Moorabool Shire Council\u2019s TrailRider, call 5366 7100 or visit https:\/\/www.moorabool.vic.gov.au\/node\/1415.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By Meg Kennedy The word \u2018Sherpa\u2019 may evoke images of the chilling, unforgiving extremes of the Himalayas; but a program that creates accessibility for everyone in our local forests and parks is available closer to home. Sherpa programs run in many of Victoria\u2019s national and state parks, yet you may be surprised to learn that […]<\/p>\n