Rallying enthusiast Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman MLA and Minister for Disability Dr Chris Bourke announced last week the National Arboretum Canberra will offer free guided tours of the Himalayan cedar forest to wheelchair users on Monday 4 April.
Engineers Australia Canberra spokesperson Mr Greg Ewing welcomed the initiative.
“Engineering really can make a difference to the community,” said Mr Ewing.
“All-terrain wheelchairs were invented in the 1990s in a joint effort between Canadian engineer Paul Cermak and Tetra Society founder Sam Sullivan MLA. “
“After many design improvements and innovations, these devices (such as the TrailRider wheelchair) are now available in motorised and non-motorised forms.”
“All-terrain wheelchairs are used in public parks around the country including in Victoria and the ACT, giving those with mobility difficulties the opportunity to visit woodland, parks and nature reserves,” Mr Ewing said.
The TrailRider experience at the Arboretum is a joint effort from Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, the National Arboretum Canberra and the National Parks Association.
To book a place on the special Arboretum tours, call Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve on 02 6205 1233.
Tours will run between 10am to 3pm on Monday 4 April 2016 at the Himalayan cedar forest, National Arboretum Canberra. Disabled parking is available free of charge.
Bookings are essential. Those who attend the tours must be at least 1.2 metres tall and able to independently transfer between their own wheelchair and the TrailRider, or must have a friend, family member or a carer to help them.
While at the Arboretum, visitors can also see the Freefall Pin Oak Forest, installed in 2009 by Engineers Australia to commemorate the achievements of engineers.