NEWSLINK JUNE2021 - Ben's road to medicinal cannabis - Spire
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NEWSLINK
JUNE2021
PAIN FEATURE:
Ben's road to
medicinal cannabis
FRUSTRATED WITH TICKETEK? SEIZING ADVENTURE MORE THAN A CAR
THESE TIPS MIGHT HELP WHENEVER I CAN
AQA VICTORIA LTD
ABN 90 006 691 185
NEWSLINK JUNE2021
VOLUME 36 NUMBER 3
ADDRESS
416 Heidelberg Road
Fairfield Victoria 3078 COMMUNITY NEWS AND UPDATES
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T 1800 999 128
04. The UK has an app that helps you refuel. We should adopt it too
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04. Learn to fly!
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05. Frustrated with Ticketek? These tips might help
W www.aqavic.org.au
18. Community networks - Mornington and Gippsland
19. Classifieds
POSTAL ADDRESS
PO Box 219 LEISURE AND TRAVEL
Fairfield Victoria 3078
06. Seizing adventure whenever I can
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 07. Dance & Roll turns two in style
CHAIRPERSON: FEATURES
Michelle O’Sullivan
TREASURER: 08. Ben's long and winding road to medicinal cannabis
Alasdair McMillan 14. More than a car
COMPANY SECRETARY:
David Schreuder RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY
DIRECTORS: 13. Walking with an exoskeleton
Dave Jacka
Kylie Thitchener ACCESS AND INCLUSION
Joe Rose’Meyer
Brydie Quinn 16. National building code to enforce wheelchair access
17. Your new accessible parking scheme
NEWSLINK
EDITOR:
Nazim Erdem
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Spire NewsLink is the official newsletter of AQA Victoria Limited (AQA), and is published bimonthly. Spire NewsLink seeks to publish material of interest
to people experiencing issues in life arising from a spinal cord injury or other physical disability, their family and social networks, clinicians, professionals
and other organisations with an interest in this community. Spire NewsLink welcomes content for publication. Content will be published at the discretion
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2 .org.au NEWSLINK JUNE 2021
C E O M E S S AG E
Thank you
for sharing
Welcome to NewsLink, presented
in this issue with a refreshed look
and feel. As always we welcome
your feedback, suggestions and
contributions.
For many years, Newslink has taken
a What, So What, and Now What
approach to content.
We believe the value of Newslink is
to include all kinds of Information
(the What) that is likely to be of real In a candid and measured account, Ben shares his
interest to many in our community, personal experience of chronic pain and a path via
but then to make sure we give it various medications and therapies to eventually
Context (the So What), often through commencing medicinal cannabis. For Ben, and
the lived experience of people, and clearly also for his wife, Christine, this has been a
finally to include wherever we can game changer.
a comment about where to find out
more, how to get involved, or more We were pleased that as we sought to add context
generally, where a topic might be for Ben’s story, Dr Andrew Nunn at Victorian
headed (the Now What). Spinal Cord Service was available to share his
own considered response, including some of
With this in mind I’d like to highlight a the challenges arising from the application of a
feature story in this issue connected substance where the law in Victoria, now more
with pain management, as it’s a great than five years old, has in some ways got ahead of
example of what we hope is of real the science.
value to our community.
Andrew illuminates the Now What well, observing
The information is brought to life that people’s personal experiences can serve to
by AQA Peer Mentor Ben Gruter, necessarily and importantly open up an issue, even
who shares his lived experience of a if it’s tricky.
common issue following an SCI that
can affect people’s living well, that These are the kinds of conversations that move
being chronic neuropathic pain. things forward, so thanks to Ben and Christine for
sharing this aspect of their lives, and thanks to
Andrew for additional context and his interest in the
question.
PETER TRETHEWEY
CEO AQA VICTORIA
NEWSLINK JUNE 2021 .org.au 3
C O M M U N I T Y N E W S A N D U P D AT E S
LEARN TO FLY! THE UK HAS AN APP THAT HELPS YOU REFUEL.
WE SHOULD ADOPT IT TOO
By downloading an app, people who use wheelchairs could convince petrol
station operators to make refuelling easier, writes VICTOR BIBBY.
People living with disability can
access filling assistance at many
petrol stations in the UK, thanks to
an award-winning phone app that is
available in Australia.
While we can get the app here,
it won't do much for us without
support from our fuel companies. I'd
like everyone who needs help with
refuelling to download the app, so
that we can show fuel suppliers that
Wheelies with Wings is a non-profit people want them to use it.
group that offers people with lower
limb impairment the opportunity to The app, called fuelService, was
learn how to fly aeroplanes. developed and launched about 2019
by Niall El-Assaad, who lives with
Their next training program starts spinal cord injury. In countries where companies here. But none had yet
on 26 September, and goes for two it has been adopted, it helps service shown significant interest.
weeks, in Temora, NSW. station attendants provide driveway He said the best way to get their
To be eligible for the program you service to disabled drivers. attention would be to demonstrate
must be able to drive a modified car. Mr El-Assaad says people in the UK strong interest from your community.
The price is significant, at $5250, but can now use the app at 29 per cent The app helps you find the nearest
you are strongly encouraged to apply of petrol stations, including outlets registered service station, and make
for their Suzi Duncan Scholarship. operated by Shell and other major an appointment for refuelling at a
If you qualify, accommodation and suppliers. The app is also used in convenient time. You arive confident
meals are covered, as well as the Ireland, Canada, and the USA. they will be able to help you, and you
fifteen hours of flight time in a two- My son has been living with spinal simply enter your pump number. The
seater Foxbat aeroplane, and the cord injury from an accident early attendant comes and fills your tank,
preparatory training. last year. He brought the difficulties and you pay from your car.
An alternative would be to fund the of refuelling close to home after he I would like to contribute to my son by
program through the NDIS, via your made a journey from Bendigo to visit encouraging people here to download
Capacity Building Supports budget. me recently. the app and register to use it.
To learn more about this option, visit I recall how his face fell at what a trial Search for fuelService at the app
their website at: it had been getting fuel, and his later Store (for iPhone users) or on Google
www.wheelieswithwings.com.au. remark that being so close to fuel Play (for Android phone users), and
Applying for the program, and for fumes nearly gave him a “fix”. download it. Both methods ask for
the scholarship, is a quick and easy I had learned about this app from your phone number, so as to minimise
process. Visit the website listed above a Shell promotional video. I asked fraudulent use.
to get started, or to find out more. myself why it wasn’t used in Australia, There would be nothing more
and contacted Mr El-Assaad. powerful than thousands of voices
He told me that anybody in Australia saying to the fuel suppliers: “Give us
Wheelies with Wings could download the app, and that last fuelService - we are ready, when are
year he had shown it to major fuel you going to be?”
is a non-profit
group that offers
people with lower
limb impairment
the opportunity
to learn how to fly
aeroplanes.
4 .org.au NEWSLINK JUNE 2021
C O M M U N I T Y N E W S A N D U P D AT E S
Frustrated with Ticketek? These tips
might help
AQA Peer Mentor Geoff Dossetor is a keen fan
of AFL team the Hawks - and a club member.
But this year, getting to see them play at the
MCG has been a frustrating process.
Ticketek manages the ticketing for AFL games
at the MCG. Buying an able-bodied ticket
through Ticketek is an automated, online affair.
Buying a wheelchair accessible ticket is not.
Ticketek’s website advises you to fill out and
submit an Accessible Seating booking form,
and wait for a phone call. Alternatively, you can
phone Ticketek’s Accessible Seating booking
line.
After submitting the Accessible Seating
booking form, how long should you expect to
wait for a call-back? Geoff says that in one
case, he waited more than two weeks.
He tried the Accessible Seating booking line, For Geoff (right), getting tickets to see his beloved Hawks
and spent an hour on hold. But after a missed call-back, play this year has been a trial.
and emails to customer care, Geoff did get accessible
seating for all the games he wanted to see. A Ticketek spokesman noted that the agency had been
managing more AFL bookings than usual due to Covid-19
When AQA/Spire staff raised the question of booking with related restrictions on venue entry.
Ticketek in an online SCI forum, they got similar feedback.
Steven Ribarich, booking for AFL and soccer games at the However he stated: “We have secured accessible seats for
MCG and AAMI park, reported that "In approx 20 games, every customer who has requested them since the new
they have not got it right once". Sue Stevenson shared that Government requirements.”
when calling Ticketek's Accessible Seating line, she is on
hold for no less than 30 minutes, every time. Here are six tips Ticketek offered for a smooth booking
experience:
The NewsLink team got in touch with Ticketek and asked
if they could offer any advice on how our community might • We recommend that customers with accessibility needs
better navigate their booking process. It turned out they complete a form over calling because the customer can
could, and their response offers some insight on how to receive a call back at their convenience instead of spending
reduce the frustration. time on hold.
• Keep an eye on your club’s emails and social media feeds
Perhaps the key tip is this: use the Accessible Seating for the date and time that your tickets go on sale.
booking form, but resist the urge to submit it before tickets • As with ticket sales for all customers, our Accessible
to your event are officially on sale. team will prioritise the first customers that get in touch
once the tickets go on sale, so that is the optimum time to
Ticketek say they can’t secure you a ticket before the on- fill in the form.
sale date, and their accessible booking team prioritises • But regardless of that, every customer who filled in an
people who submit an Accessible Seating booking form accessible seating form WILL be contacted by us to arrange
after the on-sale date. a booking.
• We have secured accessible seats for every customer
However, Ticketek says that even if you submit the form that has requested them since the new Government
early, they will still call you back - after the tickets go on requirements.
sale. It’s just that you won’t necessarily be at the front of • Please be patient once you have contacted us. We WILL
the queue. get back to you before the event to book your seats.
NEWSLINK JUNE 2021 .org.au 5
L E I S U R E A N D T R AV E L
Seizing adventure
whenever I can
JOHN OSMOND has been seeing friends and family this year, and going on adventures.
While it's required some nerve to make plans that could be covid-cancelled at any minute,
John has found the payoff more than worth it.
Being a quadriplegic is limiting
enough without having to deal with
Covid. Being a resilient, optimistic
person, I decided not to let the threat
of a lockdown scare off my travel
plans for 2021.
Let me start by saying these plans
have only been made possible by a
very supportive wife, and an excellent
carer network.
Our first trip was in early March. We
went to Adelaide to visit our son and
his wife, and our two grandchildren.
We had not seen them for 16 months.
We decided to play it safe by driving
there and back, just in case Dan
pulled one of his quick border
shutdown tricks. We had a very good
drive, both ways. My wife and my John and Aileen on a previous trip to Mossman Gorge - Daintree Forest.
carer shared the driving.
We always stay at the Stamford have ever stayed in. The first bedroom Later in April we went back to stay
Grand hotel in Glenelg, as my son’s had two king single beds and the a couple of nights at the Provincial
house does not have an accessible bathroom was huge, it had a great Hotel, and had an excellent time. We
bathroom. Stamford has a number of shower, room enough to hold a dance found that as well as the facilities
accessible rooms on the third floor, so party, and a spa bath that my wife being really well suited, the owners,
we have always been able to book the enjoyed. The second bedroom had a Gorgi and Michael, and their staff,
dates we request. As usual we hired queen size bed and an en suite. The were excellent hosts. They provided
the equipment we required locally, unit itself was 82 square metres and us with a local map and showed us
and they set it up before we arrived, included a dining room and lounge. what to do in the immediate area.
and removed it when we left.
John couldn't reccomend the Provincial Hotel in Ballarat highly enough.
Having driven across we had access
to the vehicle, which gave us the
freedom of going on day trips and
visiting some of the wine regions.
Considering this benefit, we will
probably drive in the future when the
distance is manageable.
In early April we went up to Ballarat,
to visit our friends. We had lunch with
them at the Provincial Hotel. It was
an excellent meal, reasonably priced,
and no problem with accessibility for
me. When we were there we asked if
they had accessible accommodation,
and it turned out that they had two-
bedroom apartments. The unit was
the best accessible accommodation I
6 .org.au NEWSLINK JUNE 2021
L E I S U R E A N D T R AV E L
I cannot recommend the Provincial DANCE & ROLL TURNS TURNS TWO IN STYLE
Hotel highly enough.
That night we went to dinner at the
historic Craig’s Hotel, well suited to
a wheelchair, with a delicious meal,
at pub prices. The next day we went
to Daylesford, where we enjoyed
pottering around before going out
to dinner back in Ballarat at a lovely
tapas restaurant called Meigas,
around the corner from our hotel.
When the weather
warms up again we
are going back to my Dancers don't need wings to fly. We
just need our wheelchairs, and the
favourite resort. desire to express not impress.
The para-dance club Dance&Roll
celebrated a second anniversary in
On the way home the next day, March with a Gala Night at Darebin Art
we called into Ballan to get some Centre.
materials for my wife’s quilting
exploits. When I was enquiring about It was a night of joy and gratitude, and a perfect opportunity to thank the
my hire equipment requirements I generous people who have contributed in so many ways over the past two
came across ILS, Independent Living years.
Systems, and was able to hire a king The journey started at Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre, when Salvatore
single bed with five functions, which Dema, Manager of Leisure and Creative Therapies, kindly allowed three
is equivalent to my own bed. This was passionate girls to use a meeting room as a dance studio.
the first time I’ve had a great sleep in This was the space where we started the first para dance club in Victoria
a hire bed. run by, and for, people with physical disabilities. The Latin music and
For our next trip we'll be going to good vibes brought many patients from the spinal and amputee wards
Hamilton in Sydney, at the end of onto our makeshift dance floor each Thursday.
July. We will be staying at a hotel After six months the group had grown, and in October 2019 we moved to
just around the corner from the Lyric a beautiful accessible studio at Darebin Arts Centre - with the support of
Theatre. We will make a weekend Darebin City Council, VicHealth and “This Girl Can” Victoria.
out of it, not exactly sure what we'll
do, but I’m sure we'll find something In 2020, due to the Covid 19 lockdown, D&R delivered dance sessions
worthwhile. online – dancing apart in our homes but together as friends and sharing
our challenges.
When the weather warms up again we
are going back to my favourite resort Incredibly, during that time the group grew. The online sessions provided
in Port Douglas, probably sometime opportunities for those living in regional areas or other states to join in.
in September. We'll be flying Qantas, We now have members from Geelong, New South Wales, Tasmania and
as I always find them the easiest. This Queensland.
time we are flying in an A320, which For some of us, the Gala Night was extra special as it was the first time
is new to me so I hope the accessible we’d met in “real-life”. It was very emotional to meet and hug.
seating is as good as the 737. We also
Among our guests were many of the helpful people who’ve supported
hire an accessible van (Kia Carnival)
D&R, including representatives from AQA/Spire, Independence Australia,
while we’re away, as it's just easier
DSR, and AAAPlay.
to have it there rather than relying on
accessible hire taxis. Of course, the evening concluded with a performance. We included our
favourite choreographies, danced to “We are Family” by Sister Sledge,
I hope that this has motivated you to
”The Nutbush” by Tina Turner, and “Celebration” by Kool&the Gang.
plan something over the next year, it
can still be done. Good luck. Rocca Salcedo
John Osmond
NEWSLINK JUNE 2021 .org.au 7
F E AT U R E
Ben’s long and winding road
to medicinal cannabis
After years of awakening early and in pain, Ben Gruter swallowed some cannabis and slept for 10 hours. The
former policy advisor to government now takes cannabis daily - and legally.
It is 85 years since an American film Persistent pain mentor with AQA/Spire.
warned parents about the reefer One such Australian is former “It feels like the most intense pins and
madness that lay in wait for their academic and state government needles you’ve ever felt. Some people
children. policy adviser Ben Gruter, 65, who has describe it as burning.
It is nearly 30 years since former been living with paraplegia from an
“It’s constant from the moment I wake
US president Bill Clinton denied he incomplete T5 spinal cord injury since
up until the time I go to bed. Stress will
inhaled the marijuana he had admitted 2012.
make it worse; being relaxed makes it
to trying. When he resolved to try medicinal better.”
And it is a little more than five years cannabis, Ben had spent seven years
Surveys indicate that more than half
since the Access to Medical Cannabis experimenting with other treatments
of people living with spinal cord injury
Act 2016 passed in Victoria, making for his persistent neuropathic pain,
live with neuropathic pain.
it the first Australian state to legalise which arrived with his injury. He
therapeutic use of the controversial experiences the pain as located in his Prior treatments
drug. Other states have followed. right leg, extending from his hip to his
Ben spent 16 months in treatment
In Victoria, any doctor may apply to foot.
and rehabilitation after his injury,
prescribe cannabis for any condition. “It’s pain caused by damage to the which arose from a bleed in his spinal
However, it is not likely that your nerves,” explains Ben, who is a peer column. Initially he was given Panadol
local GP will do so, and for three main
reasons.
First, almost no cannabis preparations
have been registered as prescription
drugs. Second, little is established
about what ailments cannabis might
help with, and how.
Third, a common ingredient of
medicinal cannabis, THC, is classed
as a Schedule 8 poison and a drug of
addiction, like morphine, methadone
and amphetamine. Therefore a
doctor must seek authorisation
before prescribing it for you, and may
perceive the approval process to be
very onerous.
Nevertheless, a Senate inquiry
was told early last year that more
than 19,000 Australians had been
prescribed medicinal cannabis, and
there is evidence that the number has
risen rapidly since.
More relaxed: Christine and Ben.
8 .org.au NEWSLINK JUNE 2021
F E AT U R E
Wonderful time: At the Botanic Gardens in Singapore.
for his pain, and when he sought more “The partner or other family members slow-release formulation.
relief he was prescribed an opioid, of someone with a spinal cord injury “When Ben did go off all the drugs, it
Oxynorm, and a pregabalin based anti- are also severely affected by it,” wasn’t living,” Christine says.
anxiety drug, Lyrica. Christine observes.
“The pain is so consuming he just can’t
“By 12 months it was pretty clear that “I think for me, the worst of it has been do anything. He doesn’t want to go out.
not only weren’t these drugs working, Ben’s pain. Seeing him in pain has just He doesn’t want to communicate with
but I was having terrible side effects,” been horrific. anyone. He can’t stand the grandkids
Ben reports. “And the effects of a lot of the coming in because they’re noisy.”
Under the care of a pain team at the medication he was given have been It was Christine who suggested to Ben
Austin Hospital, he tried alternative awful.” that he might try cannabis. The topic
opioids, three anti-depressants, and Memory loss is a recognised side- had come up in conversation with
ketamine, an anaesthetic. He says his effect of pregabalin. Christine says a friend whose husband also had a
pain remained very troubling, except conflicts arose at home from Ben’s spinal cord injury.
when the ketamine put him to sleep. memory lapses. “My friend said it had been helpful,”
Subsequently, Ben was treated by a “We would have a specific Christine recalls. “And her husband
multidisciplinary team at the hospital’s conversation about something, and the said it was helpful.
outpatient pain clinic, finding some next day Ben would deny that we even
relief in hydrotherapy and in the “So we met up and had a discussion,
discussed it,” she reveals. “I actually the four of us.”
cognitive behavioural therapy offered just thought he was being difficult.”
by the team’s psychologist.
Absolutely fantastic
“Unfortunately they could only have I know a friend
“I’d seen the press reports,” says Ben,
me as a patient for six months,” he Ben says he sought to reduce side- who like Christine had been exposed
explains, “because it’s a high demand effects and cut his risk of addiction to the recreational use of cannabis
service.” by decreasing his consumption of when he was younger.
painkillers, in consultation with his GP. “Some medical practitioners said it’s
Marital conflict very helpful. Other practitioners said
For a few months he took no drugs
When he was injured, Ben had been at all. Today he takes no pregabalin it’s not helpful, and all the evidence
married for just four and a half years, and no Oxynorm, instead using an isn’t in.
to Christine. alternative opioid, tapentadol, in a “I went into it with an open mind.”
NEWSLINK JUNE 2021 .org.au 9
F E AT U R E
Soothed: Christine and Ben embark on their overseas adventure.
About bedtime one evening, Ben used believed to have therapeutic value “My understanding is that a typical
a dropper to administer himself a small (some THC may be present). joint is about 10 milligrams of THC,”
dose of black-market cannabis oil, After interviewing Ben and reviewing Ben says, referring to the recreational
orally. his history, the clinic prescribed him user’s cannabis-infused cigarette. “I
“For years I’d been sleeping about CBD, advising him to increase the dose take 6.25 milligrams of THC. So this is
three hours each night before I woke each week until it was effective. probably a little bit more than half a
up in pain,” he says of the result. joint.
“When I wasn’t getting a good enough
“That first night when I took cannabis, I effect, they added THC,” Ben reports. “On the dose that I take, I don’t get
slept for 10 hours. high. If I was taking a lot more I would.
“It was absolutely fantastic. “It does make me drowsy - both the
CBD and the THC make you drowsy. It
“I got a little high, and I got a dry "The way I would tastes terrible. And I have a dry throat.
throat. I didn’t get munchies.”
Christine adds: “And he woke up like a
describe it, it’s like “I don’t know what would happen if I
human, instead of a pain unit.” the pain has been tried to really suppress the pain and
take a lot more of it. I don’t want to try
Obtaining medicinal cannabis moved a bit away that, because I think I’d just fall asleep.
So what’s the point of that.”
About the beginning of 2019, Ben from you."
sought a prescription from his GP Hello Singapore!
for medicinal cannabis. He says his From Christine’s perspective, the
doctor told him he would help, but therapy has been transformative.
then concluded that the approval and The cannabis comes from a Melbourne
follow-up requirements would be too compounding pharmacy in tablet- “I would say within two or three
burdensome. Instead, the GP wrote a sized resin lozenges, by registered weeks, Ben was engaging,” she says.
referral to the specialist clinic that had mail. The lozenges are packed in small “He was engaging with me, where he
treated Ben’s acquaintance. plastic containers that carry Ben’s had been quite withdrawn before. He
prescription details. (The medication was engaging with the grandchildren.
Medicinal cannabis typically comes He was engaging with friends. We
is available in other forms.)
in two forms, only one of which relies were going out. We were socialising.
on THC - the component credited He takes half a CBD lozenge orally,
with producing euphoria. The active twice a day, and then a THC lozenge at “Within six weeks of him starting it, we
ingredient of the other form is CBD, bedtime. had our first overseas holiday. Our first
which does not produce a high but is in seven years!”
10 .org.au NEWSLINK JUNE 2021F E AT U R E
A drug is a drug
Medicinal cannabis is not subsidised
under the Pharmaceutical Benefits
Scheme, and Ben’s prescription costs
the couple about $500 a month. That’s
significant for them, and they’re
aware it would be out of reach for
some people.
They would like to see medicinal
cannabis become available more
cheaply and more readily. Ben would
also welcome changes to traffic law.
Driving under the influence of THC
is illegal, and unlike alcohol no
threshold is specified. “I’ve heard
stories of people who won’t take
THC because they’re afraid for their
licence,” Ben says.
He adds: “I take a very, very small
dose, and that’s also worth saying.
It is possible that I will need a higher
Ben takes the cannabis orally, via lozenges. dose in the future. But I don’t need it
now.
The couple spent a week in Singapore, And he says the benefits have “And I’ve gotta say that although I’m
testing Ben’s capacity to make a flight continued. a fan of cannabis - it’s probably the
twice as long to The Netherlands, “The way I would describe it, is that most benign of the drugs that I take
where he was born. it’s like the pain has been moved a bit for pain - it would be nice to get to a
“We had such a wonderful time. We away from you. So you’re not focused stage where I didn’t have any drugs,
were out every day. We couldn’t take on the pain any more. and could just rely on physiotherapy
the cannabis with us, but it took four and psychological pain management
“The pain’s still there, perhaps level
days to wear off and then Ben still had systems.”
four rather than level six on a scale of
his opioids.” 10, but it’s better. It’s not in your face.” Ian Baker
Prior to starting his cannabis therapy, “And it’s not on his face,” Christine
Ben says, “I wouldn’t have dreamt of says. “He’s a lot more relaxed.”
doing that trip.”
Personal account opens up a can of worms
Commentary on Ben's story from Dr Andrew Nunn, Medical Director, Victorian Spinal Cord Service, Austin Health.
Thank you Ben for your measured The legislation on medicinal cannabis however there is a critical lack of
personal insight on your careful use seems to be ahead of the science and evidence that it provides a consistent
of cannabis for pain following spinal a spectrum of issues and views. benefit for any type of chronic non-
cord impairment. Here is some commentary on the cancer pain.
Your personal account raises some topic from the Australian Pain More than 90 per cent of Special
issues for us all - and maybe very Society, a multidisciplinary not- Access Scheme – Category B (SAS-B)
necessarily opens up this can of for-profit organisation that seeks approvals have been for chronic pain
worms. optimal access to pain prevention of various types.
It is important that we do this, but and management for all people (date The evidence available is either
it is also tricky. We need to develop reviewed: 19 March 2021): unsupportive of using cannabinoid
a balanced view so that people Cannabis-derived products are now products in chronic non-cancer pain
with spinal cord injury, and those available for use with therapeutic (CNCP) or is of such low quality that
prescribing and funding the use intentions in Australia and New no valid scientific conclusion can
of medicinal cannabis, are well Zealand. By far the most common be drawn. Cannabidiol-only [CBD]
informed. reason for their use is chronic pain formulations have not been the
NEWSLINK JUNE 2021 .org.au 11F E AT U R E
Personal account opens
a can of worms
CONTINUED
subject of a published randomised
controlled trial (RCT) for pain
indications, yet they are the most
prescribed type of product.
In addition, evidence of harms does
exist, particularly in relation to sedative
effects, interactions with other
medications, and neuropsychiatric
effects (for products which contain
tetrahydrocannabinol [THC]).
Ben, I believe we
need to bring fresh
eyes and an open
mind as we consider
the many views that
are out there, and
your thoughts as
well.
Given the above, the clinical use of
cannabinoid products cannot be
ethically recommended outside a
properly established and registered
clinical trial environment until high- Concern about overprescription is legitimate, Dr Nunn believes.
quality evidence for specific indications
is published.
▬ P hysiology is complex. There and resist the assumption that we
I see in this cautious approach are many receptors in every can procure a “quick fix”.
legitimate concern about the body system, hence multiple ▬ Commercial drug costs and
possibility we will create a new applications (pain, spasticity, sleep, marketing are becoming a major
problem relevantly similar to the over and so on). influence.
prescription of OxyContin and other ▬ Cannabis can have many positive ▬ Prescribing cannabis is tricky, and
opioids for pain management in the and negative effects, so a balance is subject to laborious follow-up
United States, if less deadly. So we is needed. requirements.
must think broadly. ▬ Smoking is clearly not the best ▬ Use of medicinal cannabis has
Here are 12 points that deserve our way to administer, and other functional considerations for
attention: options such as oral, nasal or skin driving and work.
absorption contribute variability, in ▬ Research trials show varied results
▬ T here are well over 1000 cannabis
both absorption of the medication and for limited numbers.
strains available plus now many
and duration of action. Our Spinal Cord Service explored
plant hybrids.
▬ There are many types of spinal cord evidence and trial protocols with
▬ Production methods for
injury, so the optimal dose will be industry pre-covid, and hope to
therapeutic use are variable, with
very individual and time of action understand this better through
many derivatives for each plant
variable - plus placebo effects must starting a trial on therapeutic use for
depending on fractionation method
be considered. spasticity.
- and even synthetic THC available.
▬ Cannabis would often be used in
▬ Cannabis formulations usually Ben, I believe we need to bring fresh
combination with other agents. As
combine CBD and THC, and these eyes and an open mind as we consider
Ben has recognised, it is important
can be supplied in many different the many views that are out there, and
that we look at eclectic approaches
proportions. your thoughts as well.
12 .org.au NEWSLINK JUNE 2021RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY
Walking with an exoskeleton
Brad Axford has been working with a team of graduate students at The University of Melbourne to develop an
exoskeleton. He spoke with DAN NATHAN.
The last edition of NewsLink carried a story on the
journey of Team ALEX (Advanced Lower-Extremity
Exoskeleton), from research and development to
frustrated hopes of competing internationally in a
recent contest known as CYBATHLON.
So, what are exoskeletons like to use? And what
benefits might they offer?
Chief pilot for the project Brad Axford offers some
insight.
Who is Brad?
Brad has been living with a T12 complete spinal
injury for the past two years.
He's worked as a massage therapist for most of the
last 20 years, working with the human body and
learning how to heal it. Brad is also interested in
technology, so when it came to a project like this,
he jumped at the chance to be involved.
What are exoskeletons?
Exoskeletons are wearable electromechanical
devices that can enhance the strength or stamina
of an able-bodied user, or allow people with limited
Brad controls the exoskeleton via a trigger on one of the crutches.
mobility to simulate walking.
While the technology has been rapidly improving,
exoskeletons are a long way from being accessible and "It felt good, but very foreign. It was an interesting
effective mobility aids. They're very expensive ($40,000 - sensation, being up without any feeling in my lower body.
$100,000), slow moving (average speed of 0.26 metres per
"It felt very unsafe, very unstable. But I had the crutches
second, compared to average walking speed of 1.2 m/s),
and the spotters around me. Once I got used to the
and they struggle to move across uneven or sloping terrain.
sensation of moving it was more comfortable."
As tools for rehabilitation, though, promising results are
To pilot the exoskeleton, Brad selects one of three modes
emerging.
- walk, stand up, or sit down - via a switch on one of the
What are they good for? crutches. Once a mode is selected, he pulls a trigger to
execute the movement - a single step in the case of walk
"Obviously there are lots of health problems that come mode.
from sitting so much of the time - using an exo can help
with some of them," says Brad. The trick, according to Brad, was anticipating the way in
which the exoskeleton would move.
"The weight bearing is great for bone density and
strengthening. Your muscles and ligaments are all going to "Once I could do that, I could stay balanced throughout the
benefit from getting that kind of movement and stretching, movement, rather than trying to catch myself afterwards.
and from the different load patterns on the body. The result was a much more rhythmic and fluid gait.
"Having limbs moved for you, or moving them with "It was a great feeling when I first started hitting that
assistance, also has great implications for neuro rehab - rhythm."
for the body relearning what to do after injury."
What's next?
What do they feel like? Brad is looking forward to competing with the rest of
"It was quite weird initially", says Brad, describing the first team in a Melbourne competition in 2022, and hopefully,
time he stood up in the exoskeleton. It was nine months internationally in 2024.
post-injury.
NEWSLINK JUNE 2021 .org.au 13F E AT U R E
More than a car
What matters most when you’re choosing a car?
Wayne Bradshaw reflects on nearly 30 years of driving an allegedly unsuitable vehicle.
My 1983 One Tonner Holden ute was my car back in 1992, Another guy we’d been in rehab with, Hue Yew, was staying
when I had my accident. I had converted her to gas, and at in supported accommodation in Shepparton. With much
300,000km she was on her second motor. trepidation from Zac’s parents, both our chairs were loaded
on the back of the ute and Zac and I headed for Shepparton.
I had been strongly advised that driving a single-cab ute
while living with paraplegia from a complete T4 spinal cord When we got there, we rang the staff to help us unload the
injury was not practical, because it wouldn’t give me much chairs. We had a great day catching up with Hue. On the
space for storing stuff in the cabin. way home, we managed to get some gas after prompting
the operator at a service station to come out and help us.
I remember thinking: Just let me see if I can make it work.
I didn’t take long to become comfortable driving my
Tonner. I loved the anonymity I had behind the wheel.
In the early 2000s, after
Of course there were challenges. Getting the chair in
beside me was tricky, but I worked out a way. 580,000km, I reconditioned the
Before my accident I was restumping houses. When I second motor.
went back to work, I would drive the boss around while
we quoted. I loved this because it fast-tracked my driving
skills. It was a lot of fun. I often felt a sense of accomplishment
In the early 2000s, after 580,000km, I reconditioned the when I went on a road trip.
second motor. It never entered my head that I would With frequent solo drives to Echuca to see my son Ben, I
sell her. About the same time, I left my quoting and was racking up the kilometres. The tonner continued to
bookkeeping role with the restumping business and purr, and rarely let me down.
started work at AQA. There was one let-down that I will mention. Zac’s parents
I had struck up a friendship with a quad from Mickleham brought Zac and his brother Michael to my place on a
who I’d met in rehab, Zac Carr. We both supported the Saturday, to watch the footy and stay the night. I was to
Tigers, and would catch up every Saturday at the footy. drive them both home the next day. I left my chair at home,
CAR MODIFICATIONS The NDIS says that vehicles less Especially as it can take months
AND THE NDIS than five years old, and having before you get a response.
travelled fewer than 80,000km, are In my experience, getting an
generally considered suitable to assessment from an NDIS registered
Noha Elhanafy modify.
AQA NDIS SUPPORT COORDINATOR occupational therapist who
But it adds: “However, older vehicles specialises in car mods really helps.
Wayne will need to have his new and those with higher mileage may
ute modified, so that he can drive it Reports from the OT need to include
still be considered where there is justification for why the expenditure
without using his feet. Given that he evidence that their modification
is an NDIS participant, how would is reasonable and necessary. If that’s
would be cost effective.” not clear, your application might be
he go about seeking funding for
that? You can see that the NDIS wants delayed or refused.
your modified car to give long and It also helps to follow up an inquiry
You’ll find an overview on the NDIS reliable service. How do you know
website at its Vehicle Modifications regularly with your NDIS planner.
whether the older car you have your
page, which is here: eye on would be acceptable? A participant I have assisted applied
www.ndis.gov.au/participants/ in advance for vehicle modification,
It can be tricky to decide whether and received approval from his
assistive-technology-explained/ to purchase the car first and hope
vehicle-modifications NDIS planner last month. He is now
for the best, or to seek approval confident about purchasing the car.
from your planner before you buy.
14 .org.au NEWSLINK JUNE 2021F E AT U R E
The vertical exhaust stacks were a signature part of the Tonner's look .
and Michael put Zac’s chair in the tray. truck-style vertical exhausts behind the cab was raising a
rude middle finger to the parking rules. But then I'd unload
I dropped off the brothers and headed home the back my chair, and push into the shops.
way. As I crossed a a single-lane bridge heading into
Hurstbridge, a bolt fell from the hand controls and left me When I was jumping back into my ute, sometimes someone
without an accelerator. I rolled off the bridge and pulled - usually an older man - would run over and try to grab my
over. chair from me.
I asked a bloke walking past to help me reattach the bolt, I would say, “Mate, what are you doing?”
but he was not having a bar of it. If I was a paraplegic, he “I am putting the chair on the back for you!” he’d reply.
asked, where was my chair? He didn’t believe it was at
“Ok mate, are you going to follow me home to get it off as
home in my carport.
well?”
“Look at the size of you! I don’t know what you’re going to
“No.”
do to me!” he said. I had to call the police, who came and
helped. “Well leave it then, because I have to pull it apart and drag
it in beside me.” My would-be helper would stand and
watch before walking away and leaving me to it.
If I was a paraplegic, he asked, I became very attuned to her noises. Driving home from
work one Friday, I got anxious about a developing clunking
where was my chair? He didn’t sound from the chassis.
believe it was at home in my As I was backing into my carport, a front wheel fell off.
carport. She’d made sure I got home before letting go.
The Tonner was fast approaching 800,000km when I drove
with my son Ryan to attend the wedding of my son Ben, at
The car was getting old, but it rarely broke down. The Echuca. She purred all the way up and did not miss a beat
interior was very damaged, but I didn’t care. I just loved her on the way back.
and felt lucky to have such a reliable car.
Soon afterward she started to run really rough, so I booked
I only ever topped up the oil and made sure she had water. her in with Chris, a mechanic I knew. That night was the
Eastland was my preferred shopping centre for groceries. opening round of the 2021 footy season, and I was going
I would be amused by the glares I often got as I drove into a to see the Carlton-Richmond game with Bill, a bloke who
disability bay. Surely this rough looking ute with its with its
continued on p.16
NEWSLINK JUNE 2021 .org.au 15AC C E S S A N D I N C L U S I O N
National building
code to enforce
wheelchair
access
Builders of new housing may be forced for the first time to
meet access standards for people who use wheelchairs,
under revisions to the National Construction Code released
for public comment last month.
The result is a big win for the Building Better Homes
campaign, a coalition of groups who have argued that
existing voluntary accessibility standards have been too IT REQUIRES:
often ignored.
▬ A continuous and step-free path from the street or
The inclusion of mandatory minimum standards in the draft car park, and at least one step-free entrance to the
2022 code follows a favourable majority vote from federal, dwelling.
state and territory building ministers at a meeting in April. ▬ Minimum widths for entrance doors, passages and halls.
The public comment period ends in July, and it is expected ▬ Toilet on ground-level, with spatial requirements.
the code will come into force in September next year. ▬ A shower with step-free entry.
It is up to state governments to decide when and how to ▬ Reinforcement of walls to toilets, baths and shower for
enforce compliance with the national code. future installation of grab rails.
The 2022 code’s minimum standards are based on the Building Better Homes has argued that only 5 per cent of
Silver standard for which builders can currently seek new homes built in Australia comply with Liveable Housing
accreditation under Liveable Housing Australia voluntary Australia guidelines. Australians living with mobility
guidelines. Silver is the most basic level; the others are impairment make up 12 per cent of the population - a figure
Gold and Platinum. set to grow as our population ages.
More than a car
CONTINUED
got around on a mobility scooter. Chris adjusted the gas
mixture and I headed off to get ready for the footy.
It was sadly the last time I drove her. Before I’d got far I
heard BANG BANG BANG! A tow truck was called, and
Chris put me onto a backyard mechanic friend, Tim. I told
Tim to pull out the old motor, recondition it, and put it back
in.
Tim pulled the motor and called me. He said I could throw
$10,000 at it and still not fix it. The power steering was
shot, the suspension was shot, and the pistons were
rounded off and couldn’t be machined.
OK, I thought, it’s time to get another car.
I sold the tonner to a friend who was looking for a car to
restore, and who had the resources.
Two weeks later I bought my new car. It’s a 2010 Holden
Ute.
Wayne with the Tonner's successor.
Wayne Bradshaw
16 .org.au NEWSLINK JUNE 2021AC C E S S A N D I N C L U S I O N
YOUR NEW
ACCESSIBLE PARKING SCHEME
The accessible parking permit scheme in Victoria
has been revised for the first time in 26 years. ONLINE APPLICATION
There are three permits under the new scheme: The application is now an online process on the
the Australian Disability Parking (ADP) Permit, for VicRoads website.
individuals and organisations, and the Victorian ▬ S tart your application online at www.
Double Time Permit. accessibleparking.vic.gov.au
Disability advocates have welcomed the changes, ▬ You will receive an application reference
expecting a significant increase in the fairness and number via SMS
effectiveness of the scheme. ▬ Take your reference number to your GP or
Occupational Therapist
▬ GP or Occupational Therapist will complete an
THE IMPROVEMENTS TO online assessment and submit application
THE SCHEME INCLUDE: ▬ Your local council will review the application
▬ Y ou are now able to receive a permanent ▬ If your application is successful, your permit
classification, instead of having to provide will arrive in the mail. Otherwise, you will
an assessment from your GP confirming your receive a letter explaining the reasons for
disability when you renew your permit. declining your application.
▬ In addition to your GP, Occupational Therapists
are now authorised to be assessors.
▬ Permit length will go from three years to five.
▬ The eligibility for permits is now determined PAPER-BASED APPLICATION
by state-wide criteria, removing the previous
inconsistencies across councils, and reducing A paper-based version of the application is
misuse of permits. available for people without access to a mobile
▬ You'll only need to apply for one permit, from phone or the internet. Paper-based applications
one source, instead of applying to each council are slower than online permit applications or
you want to park in. renewals. The forms are available from your local
▬ Temporary permits will be introduced, for 6, 12 council.
or 24 months. ▬ Enter your personal details
Alongside the streamlining of the scheme, Roads ▬ Take the application form to your GP or
minister Ben Carroll has assured disability Occupational Therapist
advocates that the government is also increasing ▬ They will enter their own medical practitioner
numbers of disabled parking spaces across the details and complete the medical assessment
state. ▬ Take the completed form to your local council
▬ You can expect an update about your application
Councils are in the process of moving towards once it has been processed by the council
the new system, with statewide implementation ▬ Once the council determines the outcome, you
by December 2021. Existing permits are still valid will receive a letter within 7 to 10 days.
until their expiry date, or the 30th of June 2023,
whichever date occurs first.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
P. 1300 965 677
E. accessibleparking@roads.vic.gov.au
Or speak to your local council.
NEWSLINK JUNE 2021 .org.au 17COMMUNITY NETWORKS
Community Networks
– Mornington and Gippsland
It was fantastic to see in May, a couple of our community Thanks also to Gerard Jarvis who made sure everyone was
networks coming together and taking the lead in bringing engaging and spoke about the reason the group exists. It
their communities together. was also great to see Darren and Barb take the drive all the
As with all of our networks, the aim is to be directed by the way from Bairnsdale.
members. Our aim is to facilitate and support all networks
to establish themselves and become self-sustaining over JOIN ONE OF OUR
time. COMMUNITY NETWORKS:
Thanks to the support of Jeanette Warner, the Mornington ▬ Ballarat
group met at Stella’s Dromana Hotel in Dromana and ▬ Bendigo
enjoyed a great lunch. ▬ Geelong
It was fantastic to see some new faces join the group. It ▬ Mornington
was a great opportunity to network and discuss issues ▬ Gippsland
important to them. It was great to see how the regulars and ▬ Shepparton & Echuca
the newcomers actually got on with each other. ▬ Melbourne
The Gippsland group met at Nilma North Hall for a great ▬ Family & Friends of SCI
lunch put on by Colin Gray and his wife, Jenny. Both Colin ▬ Professionals with SCI
and Jenny are local committee members, and thought ▬ Women with SCI
the location would be an ideal venue, as it was eighteen
Contact us on 03 9489 0777 or info@aqavic.org.au
months ago when we were last there.
to find out more or to get involved.
Members of the Gippsland Network met in May and had lunch at Nilma North Hall.
18 .org.au NEWSLINK JUNE 2021CLASSIFIEDS
WHEELCHAIRS FOR SALE 2017 MERCEDES BENZ VALANTE 116 APOLLO RESIDENTIAL HYDRAULIC LIFT
GLIDE CENTRO MID WHEEL BLUETEC
Apollo lifts are a brilliant concept that makes
DRIVE POWERCHAIR 04/2022 Registration; Auto; 2.1L Turbo installation a very simple project; It comes
In excellent condition; Purchased in 2019 Diesel ; 24,000 kms; RWC Supplied; Service complete with its own prefabricated shaft;
for $17000 - Receipt attached; Rarely went History; Flint Grey Metallic; This Mercedes Only needs a recess of 80 mm; It is very easy
outside and was used in the aged facility; Benz van has been meticulously looked after to plumb in with the supplied control cabinet
Many additional extras. and fitted with a long list of factory options to be installed close by; It only requires a
and safety options (see below) and most single phase 20 amp power supply and is
Price $ - Reasonable Offer Accepted importantly a Fiorella Wheelchair Lift with suitable for internal or external installation.
PHONE 0436 010 284 (02/21#a) seatbelt and 4 Q’straints secure retractors The lift is a few years old but has never
in 2017 by Mobility Plus in Fairfield (VIC) (O been installed or used; It was fabricated
QUICKIE EXPLORE - ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR Tax invoice for $20,855.00 and instructional to travel 2850 floor to floor but that can be
manual supplied) and legally classified as a increased by the addition of material from the
Height adjustable; Tilt in space function; wheelchair accessible vehicle and a seating manufacturer.
Comes with backpack; Very good condition. capacity for 6 passengers plus wheelchair PRICE $5,500
PRICE $6,000 passenger. Link to Fiorella YouTube video:
https://youtu.be/Cxhw7vpJeVI Factory PHONE 0414 593 790 (05/20#a)
PHONE (07/20#a) options include: Blind Spot Assist; Reverse
VEHICLES FOR SALE Camera; Front & Rear Parking Sensors; EASYLIFT LIFTBOY II
Collision Prevention Assist; Driving Manufactured by Lehner in Germany and
2019 HYUANDAI SANTA FE + SMART LIFTER + Assistance Package; Lane Keeping Assist;
MERITS MAVERICK 10 POWERCHAIR tested to all Australian specifications and
Intelligent Light System; LED Tail Lamps, approvals; Virtually brand new - Used for 1
Brake Lamps; Electrical Operation of Sliding week only; Suitable for indoor and outdoor
Top of the range Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander Doors (RHS & LHS); Roof Rails; Becker MAP
MY19; 2.2 Diesel; 4x4; Auto/manual gearbox; use - fully waterproof; 240V plug in - no hard
PILOT (Sat Nav); Alloy Wheels fitted with wiring or hydraulics required; Suitable for
Build date 11/18; First Reg April 2019; Newly 225/55 R17; Heavy Duty Tow Bar; Includes
fitted with top of the range Smart Lifter a max. lift height of 830mm, or any required
3rd Row Seats; Rear Passenger Privacy Black height in between, maximum lift weight of
valued $5,800 and new Merits Maverick 10 Glass; Any queries please call. Located in
Powerchair $4,200; Comfortable suspension; 300kg, user and attendant capable; This lift
Coburg (VIC) can be packed up and moved in less than 10
Easy to lifter - so no physical effort required;
The vehicle is fitted with genuine dealer PRICE $59,500 ONO minutes! The unit was $12,000 brand new.
extras; Roof Racks; Tow bar; Capable of PHONE 0419 884 106 (07/20#a) PRICE $5,500
towing a decent size caravan; Key boot
opening and button on inside of tailgate; EQUIPMENT FOR SALE PHONE 0438 008 584 (06/19#a)
Many features: Sidesteps for easy entry; Seat ELECTRIC BED – ICARE 333 - KING SINGLE FREEBIES
and steering wheel warmers and coolers;
Both seats electronic personal adjustments; Near new purchased 16/11/2020; 200kg WHEELCHAIR MANUAL
All comforts; Warranty is still current on Lifter Capacity; King Single; Lowers to floor; Raises
and Powerchair; Car still under warranty Mobility Plus Manual Wheelchair; 16’ x 17’;
to 810cm; Selling due to mother in-law going 24 Inch wheels; Can use for Lawn Bowls;
till 2024; Rego till June 19th; Asking price into nursing home; Paid $3,500 in November
$54,500 – The lot includes the Vehicle, Pick up from Mansfield or ring and arrange
2020. somewhere to meet.
Powechair & Lifter.
PRICE $1,500 ONO PHONE 0477 011 153 (09/20#a)
PRICE $54,500
PHONE 0425 734 873
PHONE 0404 125 621 (Madeline) (05/21#a) WYMO CAR HOIST
ELECTRIC BED - JOMOR QUEEN
CHRYSLER VOYAGER VAN - LX 6 SIZE WYMO Car Hoist; Works well; Includes all
SP AUTOMATIC 4D WAGON parts for installation; Pick up from Mansfield
14 Years Old; In good working order; Does not or ring and arrange somewhere to meet.
A rare opportunity to purchase this deluxe come with mattress.
wheelchair accessible vehicle; Low kms; PHONE 0477 011 153 (09/20#a)
Automatic; 2.8 L Turbo Diesel; Has incredible PRICE $500 ONO WANTED
power and yet is extremely economical. This PHONE 0408 329 136 (05/21#a)
is the Rolls-Royce of wheelchair accessible MOBILITY EQUIPMENT/AIDES/
vehicles; Chrysler Voyager, 1 of the last RAZ – TILTING SHOWER ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE
ever sold in Australia; Fully imported car, COMMODE
only a few ever brought to Australia; Over If you have any mobility equipment / aides
$200,000 has been spent on this vehicle to With Headrest; In good condition; They sell that you no longer need, we would love to
make it arguably the most exclusive car in for $3,900 - $5,000 new. hear from you - AS WELL AS - a wheelchair
Australia; Self-drive fully computerised with PRICE $1,500 accessible vehicle with a minimum of 4
electronic operation. No airbags; Full electric regular seats.
PHONE 0432 566 930 (03/21#a) Great Ocean Stays offers 4 purpose built
lowering with twin electric doors and boot;
Front passenger and driver seat have full accessible homes known as Bell Air. These
MONARCH HAND CONTROLS are in Ocean Grove, Vic. We are NDIA
access to car controls including stereo and
air conditioning; Both front seats are easily Used; Very Good Condition; Purchased and providers. To assist our clients have a
removable and are fitted with wheelchair fitted at Franks Engineering. seamlessly accessible holiday, we source 2nd
docking stations; This car has done only hand mobility aides to store at the complex
PRICE $600 for our guests to use free of charge. At this
62,000 km and is in almost new condition; It is
finished in a gorgeous deep navy blue paint; PHONE 0402 204 992 (01/21#a) stage we do have enough shower chairs and
Can be supplied fully registered anywhere stools, but would be interested in wheeled
in Australia; Finance and insurance can be CORAILLE – TILT MOBILE AGED CARE CHAIR commodes, princess chairs, and most other
arranged; A warranty can be arranged at aides. Secondly, we are also looking to
Excellent Condition; Used only for a short enhance our guest experience by offering
additional price. time; Seat width 48cm / Head rest; Double tours to the Great Ocean Road and need to
PRICE $ - P.O.A. footplate; Located in Reservoir. purchase a wheelchair accessible vehicle with
PHONE 0450 920 834 (04/21#a) PRICE $1,500 Negotiable a minimum of 4 regular seats. Many thanks,
Regards, Christine Smith - Owner.
2014 CANAM SPIDER STS PHONE 0403 597 477 (11/20#a)
PHONE 0403 515 605 (05/20#a)
Purchased in 2015; Gold; Kms 6350; Has hand STANDING FRAME – EASY STAND
controls (RH brakes); Wheelchair lifter; Very For a full list of classifieds and items for
Comes with strap; Excellent condition; Hardly
reliable bike. used. free, please visit:
PRICE $16,000 Negotiable PRICE $2,500
www.spire.org.au/community/classifieds
PHONE 0434 449 457 (04/21#a) or contact us on 9489 0777 or info@
PHONE 0449 881 200 (07/20#a)
aqavic.org.au
SPINAL INJURY INFO & SUPPORT ONLINE
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