Fostering strong connections and wellbeing within the community is a key priority for the Copper Coast Council, which services the towns of Kadina, Moonta and Wallaroo on the Yorke Peninsula.

And with an older population and a high proportion of residents living with a disability, Council’s Strategic Plan includes the direction to “play a key role in the establishment of a safe and healthy environment for older people” and to ensure access and inclusion for people living with a disability.

Late last year, Council and Elected Members attended the opening of the Wallaroo Cycling Without Age Australia (CWAA) chapter at the Star of the Sea Aged Care Residential Facility. CWAA is a not-for-profit charity that connects those who can no longer ride bikes themselves (including older people and those living with disability) with volunteer cyclists, who take them for free rides on trishaw ebikes around their communities.

The chapter opening was the culmination of many months of work by Council, local community development groups and volunteers.

Council worked closely with Wallaroo Community Development Association to bring the CWAA chapter to Wallaroo, with Council’s Economic Development and Community Engagement Coordinator, Holly Cowan, successfully applying for an Office for Ageing Well, SA Health, 2022-2023 Age Friendly SA Grant of $22,020; $10,000 of which went to part payment for the Wallaroo chapter’s first trishaw. The RAA Grassroots Program also made a generous contribution to the chapter, covering additional costs to help get the program up and running, as did C-Side Cyclists and local businesses.

Mayor Rosyln Talbot and Councillor Cathy Vluggen both attended the opening, with Cr Vluggen cutting the ribbon to celebrate the inaugural ride of the chapter’s first trishaw.

Mayor Talbot spoke at the opening, highlighting the opportunities the new chapter will provide all community members.

“Volunteer cyclists will develop relationships with those they take for a ride,” she said.

“The chapter will also provide opportunities for both older and younger members of the community to share stories and learn from one another.”

Piloting the first official trishaw ride at the opening was Wallaroo Community Development Association member, Leona Clarke.

With the program considered her brainchild, Leona spoke about the 32 passengers she had already taken for a ride, ranging in age from three to 90. Many of the passengers had been on respite at the Cancer Council Apex units at the Wallaroo Holiday Park.

“Age is no barrier,” Leona said.

“A passion for cycling, a driver’s licence and police check fit the criteria.”

For more information on the Wallaroo chapter, click here.