Last week marked the International Day of People with Disability (which is observed on 3 December each year) so it was fitting to consider how the design of a humble pedestrian crossing can make a difference to safety and accessibility. Members of the Mount Alexander Shire Disability Advocacy Group (MASDAG) gathered with Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards MP, Councillors and Mount Alexander Shire Council (MASC) officers on Friday 5 December to test out the recent upgrades to the crossing in the bustling Mostyn Street shopping strip in Castlemaine.

The improvements came about as a result of lobbying by MASDAG and joint funding by the Council and State Government.

The Council’s Disability Action Plan 2023 – 2027 contains some interesting insights from survey respondents and participants in a working group (who helped inform the document); they’re reminders for everyone that in many ways it is accessibility that makes the difference for people with disabilities. One working group member said: “Disability is a normal part of life. Disability is diverse and affects people of all ages. Much disability is not obvious and is invisible.”

One of the key goals of the plan is to make access for everyone equal, respectful and dignified. A survey response said generously: “Largely, this community is kind and if I do participate, it’s ok. Getting there independently is the main issue as the pathways and roads are difficult to use.”

Anyone who has crossed the road in front of the Market Building, which houses the Castlemaine Visitor Information Centre, Boorp Boorp Boondyil Cultural Exhibition and the Market Building Art exhibition, knows that it can be a bit like playing Frogger.* The upgrade included the installation of a raised crossing asphalt surface (called a ‘wombat’ crossing) and a reduction in the width of traffic lanes to shorten the distance between one side and the other.

“They’re very effective crossings, forcing traffic to slow down considerably,” Ms Edwards said. “Making sure that people with disabilities, in wheelchairs, with prams, are able to use the crossing safely.” She congratulated MASDAG for their advocacy around the project while acknowledging that not all requests were met.

Mayor Toby Heydon said: “It’s not just about the road’s surface issue. There’s more signage and better lighting. He pointed out that the crossing connects key parts of Castlemaine. “It’s a very important crossing for the town.”

However, the Disability Advocacy Group believes that there is room for further improvement, with car spaces remaining in place immediately adjacent to the crossing. MASDAG committee member Cathy Wheel said: “We’re grateful for the changes, we think it’s an improvement, but we’re disappointed that the car parks remain,” pointing out that large cars regularly park in the spaces marked for small vehicles. “Anybody in a car coming west – you can’t see through metal, it blocks the vision of oncoming traffic.” The group believes the crossing continues to be a risk for people in wheelchairs and for children, suggesting instead that the parking spaces should be reserved for motorcycle or bicycle parking. Certainly, drivers should always be careful and check signage to ensure safety and accessibility for everyone around them.

The Mount Alexander Shire Disability Advocacy Group (MASDAG) has been around since 2016 and is an independent group, supported by Castlemaine Community House (CCH), with the goal of promoting “systemic change that supports equitable social participation for the wide range of disabilities experienced by residents in Mount Alexander Shire.” Some of their actions include providing feedback on project designs to ensure adequate and safe disability access and providing disability access information and guidelines for event organisers. To find out more, be involved or raise issues of concern, contact MASDAG by calling CCCH on 5472 4842.

*A 1980s video arcade game featuring frogs dodging traffic on a busy road.

This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 12 December 2025.