Keilor East pool hoist to make swimming more accessible

Moonee Valley resident Tess Karambelas describes swimming as one of the ways she can “feel free”.

“The water holds your weight, holds you up. On land, I use mobility aids but I can walk a little bit when I’m in water,” says Tess, who lives with cerebral palsy.

A dip in a heated pool also helps with the muscle stiffness experienced by people with cerebral palsy.

Community member Tess Karambelas.

The forthcoming installation of a pool hoist at the warm water pool at Keilor East Leisure Centre will make swimming more accessible for people with mobility impairments.

Community consultation on the proposed location of the host is open until April 20, with both Council and Tess encouraging members of the community to have their say via an online survey.

“Consultation with disabled people is important because we’re a significant percentage of the population, and the ones who’ll be using the hoist,” Tess says, adding that a lack of consultation can result in poor accessibility outcomes for her community.

Council’s Disability Action Plan lists pool hoist plans as a key deliverable action for this financial year. Once installed, Council will review use of the Keilor East hoist with a view to seeking funds for another at the Ascot Vale Leisure Centre.

Tess says more hoists would mean healthier outcomes for Moonee Valley.

“The hoist will mean easier, safer access, so I can exercise more regularly. And exercise releases endorphins, which is good for mental health,” she says.

For more information, or to complete the survey, visit our Your Say webpage.