New centre for Rockingham's disability services

Rockingham today became a regional hub for disability services after the Rockingham Local Area Coordination (LAC) office was officially opened by Disability Services Minister Helen Morton.

Joining a list of 42 other LAC offices across WA, the Disabilities Services Commission's Rockingham office will assist people with disabilities to plan, organise and access support and services which enhance their participation in and contribution to their local community.

A dedicated team of nine people will actively assist almost 400 people with disability and their families across most suburbs in the City of Rockingham and the Town of Kwinana.

Mrs Morton said the number of people living in the region was likely to double in the next 10 years.

"That means the demand for disability services will also grow and the State Government is pleased this central service has been established and will grow as the need for services expands," she said.

The Minister applauded the city's work to improve access and inclusion for people with disability through many initiatives, in particular at the beach where wheelchairs and matting are providing access across the sand for people with disability.

The City of Rockingham's Water Access Initiative won the Disability Future Directions Award at the commission's 2010 Count Me In Awards and was highly commended for the Count Me In Local Government Award.

"The State Government and the commission look forward to continuing our positive relationship, working together to improve the lives of people with disability, their families and carers and to ensure fair and equitable access to everything that contributes to a good life in this region," Mrs Morton said.

The commission's Rockingham LAC office is located at 25B Chalgrove Avenue, near the Rockingham shopping centre.