After two years of research, fundraising and organising, Cootamundra is now home to one of the first high-care disability suites located within a motel in New South Wales.
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Inside the Heritage Motel on Hurley Street is a queen size bed with Disability Premium 5 alternating Overlay System on top, together with an eight comfort setting pump which can be set to the client’s comfort.
The overlay allows added support and air flow and is designed for those with limited mobility, who can not sleep on a regular mattress.
Also in the room is a quality compact hoist with sling which holds up to 150 kilograms.
The Vital Special Disability Suite is dedicated to Gillian Galvin, well-known and respected in Cootamundra, who lost her long battle with motor neurone disease.
It’s existence is only possible through fundraising by her family and friends, who wanted to see others enjoy the freedom of travel.
Fundraising committee member Maryanne Izzard said all were inspired by the strength, courage and determination of Ms Galvin to make the most of what life she had.
The suite allows people confined to a wheelchair or suffering long-term illness to get away for a break and has already been used and tested by former Wallendbeen resident, Glenn Manning.
Mr Manning is a a quadriplegic and thoroughly enjoyed an overnight stay after not having the opportunity to leave his town of Queanbeyan for 10 years.
After her research found a total lack of amenities for people with a disability to get away, Mrs Izzard now encourages other larger motels in regional and metropolitan areas to consider similar suites.
“We are lucky to have such a beautiful country that we all can travel in,” Mrs Izzard said, adding the same opportunities to travel should be afforded to those less fortunate.
“In a lasting legacy to Gillian, we want to help all those other people who are living life in a wheelchair, to finally have that privilege of travelling and visiting all that our country has to offer,” Mrs Izzard added.
She thanked all who have been involved in the fundraising including those who attended a night at the Ex Services Club in March and Better Mobility in Wagga for their support and advice on equipment and their donation of the plaque and engraving.
