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Support Worker is seated at a table with two young boys

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SourceKidsImage_Mar23

Have you ever dreamed of a holiday without your kids? No one to pick up after, no meals to cook, no lunch boxes to pack. Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it?
There’s no doubt that every parent dreams about going away on a solo holiday, but for parents of children with disability, the idea of travelling on their own can seem completely unobtainable.
Carer Solutions Partner and mum of two, Lauren, has been a stay-at-home mum for the past eight years, while caring for her two autistic boys, Archer 9, and Oliver, 7. Her husband Derek works long hours to support the family, which means Lauren was at home with the boys all the time.
Lauren’s sister lives in England, and when she gave birth, Lauren never in her wildest dreams thought she would ever be able to visit her and meet her new niece. She had trialled many support workers over the years to help with Archer and Oliver, but she was never able to establish any trust with the support workers she had been sent via an agency,
But, after discovering Carer Solutions and their Direct Employ service, Lauren was able to employ her own support worker after a friend highly recommended Laura to the family.
Laura already had experience as a support worker and onboarding her as Archer and Oliver’s support worker marked a pivotal point for Lauren and the whole family.
Carer Solutions assists families like Lauren’s to set themselves up as formal employers and employ people they may already know. Carer Solutions take care of all the time-consuming stuff such as payroll obligations and insurances, giving families all the support they need, to employ their dream support team.
“It totally eased my mind, having Laura onboard. She is firm but fair, and she is capable of reining the boys back in so that they keep their routine – they just love her,” she explains.
Not only does the Direct Employ service provide respite and peace of mind for Lauren, it has also afforded her the freedom to take a three week holiday to the UK to visit her sister and niece. She had not seen her sister for more than three years and was finally able to meet her baby niece for the first time.
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“Never in my wildest dreams could I have ever though that this could even be possible – but with the support of Laura it totally is.”
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Another Carer Solutions Partner, Elizabeth, who is mum of three autistic kids, was also able to travel overseas for the first time since becoming a mum over 21 years ago. Thanks to Carer Solutions, she was able to employ her favourite support worker, Sebastian, who was able to support Elizabeth’s children while she enjoyed the trip of a lifetime in Europe.
The trip was such a success, that Elizabeth has recently returned from her second solo European vacation, thanks to the support of Sebastian.
The unique service also provides flexibility for families to holiday together and employ a support worker at their holiday destination. That way they can avoid paying high overnight pay rates by bringing a support worker from home on the holiday with them.
“I encourage other mums to reach out to Carer Solutions and get the support that I now have. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and it is totally life changing.” Lauren says.

Woman sitting with her back to camera with a blue backpack on her back. She is looking out to the ocean.


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Image of a man sitting on a chair with his legs crossed. He is wearing dark rimmed glasses and has grey hair and beard. He is wearing a white tshirt with an orange heart on it, and a navy blazer on top.

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Craig Bridge, Head of Business

Picture of two men in all-terrain wheelchairs on a beautiful beach.

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<h4>The best accessible trails Australia has to offer</h4>
The summer heat is now behind us, and stunning autumn days are ahead. So, what better way to make the most of this gorgeous season than get outdoors, breathe in clean, fresh air and admire some breathtaking scenery.
Our version of Australia’s top eight wheelchair-accessible trails is inspired by a <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/everyday/wheelchair-hiking-best-trails-perth/100793746?fbclid=IwAR2GicR3i9QOLM4s5SabrPFwfYtnTH9EwkOC7twb5G1pHJ273Du7AYHvwZQ">recent article</a> featuring West Australian hiking enthusiast, Robbi Flynn.
Here are our top picks for some of the best wheelchair-accessible trails our beautiful country has to offer.
Wilson’s Prom (VIC)
This picture-perfect Victorian jewel offers the trifecta – beautiful bushland, mountain ranges and gorgeous sea views. What’s not to love!?
There are many suitable trails for all-terrain wheelchairs, which are also available to hire if required. To make it easier for people with limited mobility to see the accessible experiences on offer, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6x3fJ6k_R4k">Parks Victoria released this video</a> &#8211; produced and narrated by park visitor and wheelchair user, Ryan Smith.
For more info, <a href="https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/wilsons-promontory-national-park">click here</a> 
Three Sisters Walk (NSW)
We know it’s an overused term, but this trail really is breathtaking. This trail is a sensory treat with the ever-changing views of the grand Three Sisters rising nearly a kilometre above sea level.
The trail is wheelchair friendly to the Oreades Lookout &#8211; although some sections have a 10 per cent slope and may require some assistance. Access beyond Oreades lookout is not recommended for wheelchairs as it involves several steps.
For more info, <a href="https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/blue-mountains/katoomba-area/katoomba/attractions/three-sisters-walk">click here</a>
Burleigh Heads National Park (QLD)
In the heart of the Gold Coast, this National Park offers the most idyllic trail flanked by the foreshore and rainforest.
The gorgeous Oceanview trail offers wheelchair assisted access and, if you’re lucky, you may get the chance to spot some whales and sea eagles, or even the most mesmerising birdwing butterflies.
It’s a 2.4km round trip and picnicking in the stunning scene post-hike is strongly suggested! Unfortunately, the other tracks within the park are not wheelchair accessible.
For more info, <a href="https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/burleigh-head">click here</a>
Lorikeet Loop Walk (SA)
This 3km, flat loop trail is located within the Belair National Park in the gorgeous Adelaide Hills and offers an ideal opportunity to fully immerse yourself in nature. You can also meet the park’s resident lorikeets and rosellas, who are equal parts noisy and attractive. The trail takes around 90 minutes and provides easy wheelchair access, and also allows dog walking.
For more info, <a href="https://www.walkingsa.org.au/walk/find-a-place-to-walk/lorikeet-loop-walk-belair-national-park/">click here</a>
Kuljak Island (WA)
As voted by Robbi Flynn, Kuljak Island is Western Australia’s best nature-viewing trail. Centrally located and easy to access, this beauty has an abundance of pelicans and swans.
The area is also surrounded by various paved paths with easy access from the carpark for wheelchairs and/or prams.
It’s worth noting that there are no toilet or BBQ facilities on the island and being a wildlife sanctuary, fishing is not permitted. While it is dog-friendly, your furry friend must be on a leash.
For more info, <a href="https://trailswa.com.au/trails/kuljak-island-walk-ascot">click here</a>
Russell Falls Track (TAS)
This picturesque short trail is through a lush rainforest in Mount Field, Tasmania, and is best suited to wheelchair users who have someone to assist them.
The 1.4km tranquil hike to the beautiful Russell Falls may even present a special opportunity to spot a platypus in the creek. It’s a relaxed walk with no bushwalking experience required. It has a flat, even surface with no steps or steep angles.
For more info, <a href="https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/mount-field-national-park/russell-falls">click here</a>
Territory Trails (ACT)
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve in the Australian Capital Territory is a must see, with a stunning tapestry of trails and wetlands which are populated by cute and friendly wildlife. Tidbinbilla offers mobility access to many popular locations including The Sanctuary, the Eucalypt Forest, Sheedy’s Picnic Area and the Visitor Centre. These locations have accessible toilets, designated parking areas and paved footpaths allowing independent wheelchair access.
There is an awesome playground that has a bird’s nest swing suitable for very young children and people with limited mobility. TrailRider all-terrain wheelchairs are available for free day hire from the Visitor Centre. A TrailRiders are a cool way for mobility-impaired visitors to explore and enjoy all that the bush capital has to offer.
For more info, <a href="https://www.tidbinbilla.act.gov.au/do/walking-trails">click here</a>
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (NT)
As for the Northern Territory, nothing compares to exploring the base of Uluru, with its natural beauty and rich culture. Most of the tracks are wheelchair accessible and range from easy to moderate. Uluru and Kata Tjuta hold great spiritual significance as they are places where many creation stories converge.
At Uluru, there are two trails that are accessible for wheelchairs. The Mala Trail is 2 km return and the Kuniya Trail is a leisurely 1 km return.
For more info, <a href="https://parksaustralia.gov.au/uluru/do/walks/">click here</a>
If you know of any great Wheelchair Accessible Trails, please let us know at <a href="mailto:care@carersolutions.com.au">care@carersolutions.com.au</a> we&#8217;ll add them to the list!

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