The launch of a multimillion-dollar purpose-built facility in Cairns makes accessible travel to the beautiful and diverse region of Far North Queensland easier than ever.
The Spinal Life Healthy Living Centre, located just metres from the blue waters of the iconic Cairns Esplanade, has been built from the ground up to be fully accessible for guests with a physical disability.
The centre includes seven accessible accommodation units for both holidaymakers and Far North Queensland residents looking for transitional accommodation as they prepare to return home after injury.
Guests can access a personal support worker during their stay to help with their daily routines or getting out and exploring the community, and are also welcomed to take advantage of the therapy services on offer at the centre, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, hydrotherapy and exercise physiology.
Guests and locals can also access the Active Gym with accessible equipment that can be used with or without a wheelchair, as well as a hydrotherapy pool with a lift for easy access.
Spinal Life Australia CEO Mark Townend notes that everything about the Healthy Living Centre was constructed specifically to meet the needs of people with a physical disability, including spinal-cord damage.
“Whether you’re a visitor looking for a home base to explore the beautiful forests and coasts of Far North Queensland or a Cairns local looking to access important disability services closer to home, our team at the Healthy Living Centre are there to help,” said Mr Townend.
Guests can opt to self-fund their visit or choose from a range of NDIS-funded accommodation packages, including access to the Active Gym, consultations with a therapy professional and access to personal support workers to assist during their stay.
Each bedroom contains a height-adjustable bed and ceiling hoist, left or right transfer bathrooms, height-adjustable cupboards for easy access, and a tablet that can remotely control electronics, lights and blinds.
Mr Townend said the centre would give the region a much-needed boost in accessible tourism options.
“Spinal Life’s Advocacy team has been working on promoting the importance of accessibility and inclusion in the tourism industry – what better way to lead than by example?” he said.
After more than two years of planning and construction, the Spinal Life Healthy Living Centre was officially opened to the public in February 2020.
For more information on the Healthy Living Centre, visit spinalhealthyliving.com.au.
