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Celebrating volunteers: Standards Australia's push for inclusivity
Statements
Today, on International Volunteer Day, we celebrate the significant contributions of volunteers worldwide. At Standards Australia, we thank the thousands of committee members who volunteer their time and expertise to develop standards that keep our communities safe.
Among these dedicated individuals are the members of the SF-047 Artificial Climbing Structures committee. They have gone the extra mile, using their expertise and collaborating with stakeholders to rewrite a key standard (AS 2316.2) for artificial climbing structures and challenge rope courses. Their goal is to make adventure experiences accessible for all ages and abilities.
SF-047 has introduced Universal Design principles to the draft standard, including testing prototype harnesses, lifting systems, and wheelchairs. SF-047 Deputy Chair Murray Tucker said, “The committee is rewriting the standard and developing inclusive equipment to ensure people with disabilities can safely participate in adventure activities.”
As part of the drafting process, committee members visited a range of flying foxes and challenge courses. Murray, who has been collaborating with YMCA Camp Manyung (VIC) for many years, arranged a demonstration of a wheelchair-accessible challenge course. A lifting system was added to the flying fox, enabling access for more users. Combined with the universal soft harness, participants with a wider range of abilities will be able to access these activities.
SF-047 Chair David Eager stated: “This was a great practical experience for the committee members and everyone involved in the process. The commitment and passion from this committee, by embedding universal design within a recreational industry standard, show their dedication to achieving something bigger and forward-thinking, benefiting participants who have never been able to experience the joy that historically only able-bodied participants have enjoyed.”
AS 2316.2 is currently being drafted and is set to be published in 2025. The standard will provide more guidance, addresses Australian needs, and include benefit-risk assessment and Universal Design principles. The two parts being revised are:
- Part 2.1: Flying foxes and challenge ropes courses – Construction and safety requirements
- Part 2.2: Flying foxes and challenge ropes courses – Operation
YMCA Camp Manyung and Murray recently received the Victorian Disability Awards for their work on accessible design, key evidence for the importance of making these inclusions to the AS 2316 series.
As we celebrate International Volunteer Day, we recognise our committee members’ efforts, which are crucial in creating a safer, more inclusive society. Together, we are breaking down barriers and opening up new opportunities for all.
Today, on International Volunteer Day, we celebrate the significant contributions of volunteers worldwide. At Standards Australia, we thank the thousands of committee members who volunteer their time and expertise to develop standards that keep our communities safe.
Among these dedicated individuals are the members of the SF-047 Artificial Climbing Structures committee. They have gone the extra mile, using their expertise and collaborating with stakeholders to rewrite a key standard (AS 2316.2) for artificial climbing structures and challenge rope courses. Their goal is to make adventure experiences accessible for all ages and abilities.
SF-047 has introduced Universal Design principles to the draft standard, including testing prototype harnesses, lifting systems, and wheelchairs. SF-047 Deputy Chair Murray Tucker said, “The committee is rewriting the standard and developing inclusive equipment to ensure people with disabilities can safely participate in adventure activities.”
As part of the drafting process, committee members visited a range of flying foxes and challenge courses. Murray, who has been collaborating with YMCA Camp Manyung (VIC) for many years, arranged a demonstration of a wheelchair-accessible challenge course. A lifting system was added to the flying fox, enabling access for more users. Combined with the universal soft harness, participants with a wider range of abilities will be able to access these activities.
SF-047 Chair David Eager stated: “This was a great practical experience for the committee members and everyone involved in the process. The commitment and passion from this committee, by embedding universal design within a recreational industry standard, show their dedication to achieving something bigger and forward-thinking, benefiting participants who have never been able to experience the joy that historically only able-bodied participants have enjoyed.”
AS 2316.2 is currently being drafted and is set to be published in 2025. The standard will provide more guidance, addresses Australian needs, and include benefit-risk assessment and Universal Design principles. The two parts being revised are:
- Part 2.1: Flying foxes and challenge ropes courses – Construction and safety requirements
- Part 2.2: Flying foxes and challenge ropes courses – Operation
YMCA Camp Manyung and Murray recently received the Victorian Disability Awards for their work on accessible design, key evidence for the importance of making these inclusions to the AS 2316 series.
As we celebrate International Volunteer Day, we recognise our committee members’ efforts, which are crucial in creating a safer, more inclusive society. Together, we are breaking down barriers and opening up new opportunities for all.
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