PARAROOS goalkeeper Chris Barty wants to actively work on access and inclusion during his two-year term on Bassendean Council.
The Bassendean resident was sworn into the council for the first time last month.
While he is known for his 10-year international football career, he currently works as a community engagement facilitator at Mission Australia.
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READ NOWHe previously worked at the Town of Bassendean as a project officer for the Bassendean Inclusive Communities project and at the Department of Sport and Recreation.
Cr Barty said his platform as a Pararoo allowed him to have a unique insight into matters related to sport and disability as well as promote Bassendean on the international stage.
“In a moments after I was sworn in, I felt a deep sense of gratitude and a determination to represent the interests of Bassendean to the best of my ability,” he said.
“I’m really excited to have active discussions on matters relating to access and inclusion.
“According to Bassendean’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan, its estimated that there are 1629 people with disability in the Town.
“Additionally, 10.8 per cent of the population provides a caring role…that’s a significant portion of our community who need to be heard on key community issues.”
Cr Barty said being an inclusive community was not just “a nice thing to do” but it was “good business”.
“We know that an inclusive society helps to enhance physical and mental health but there are certainly economic benefits as well which may not be in the forefront of minds of small to medium business at the moment,” he said.
He said he was looking forward to working and learning from each councillor.
“A common theme which has become abundantly clear however is the deep affection that council possess for Bassendean and a shared excitement for our future,” he said.