By Matthew Sims
A new Footscray live music venue has continued to look towards improving its inclusion and access capabilities.
Disability and inclusion consultant Margherita Coppolino (she/her) has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $20,000 for a portable platform lift for Mamma Chen’s bandroom.
She said that the new equipment would allow for disabled performers to access the stage safely and would complement the other access initiatives throughout the venue, including an accessible bathroom, Braille signs for main entrance and bathrooms and a ramp at the main entrance with tactile indicators and hand rails.
“They are really supportive of the community,” Ms Coppolino said.
“Not all venues do that.
“This venue has encouraged me to get out and live a fuller life.”
Ms Coppolino said she was “excited” to have a portable platform lift for the venue staff to use.
“I wouldn’t mind being able to perform there one day,” she said.
“It is so refreshing to have a new bar that puts access front and centre.
“It gets me out of feeling isolated.”
Owner Em Chen (they/them) said the new lift would mean the bar would be more accessible and supportive and allow more people to perform and share their art to the Footscray community.
“I don’t know of any venue of our size that have an accessible stage, and I think it’s important not to exclude folks for whom stairs are a limiting factor,” they said.
“It’s one less problem for people to have to deal with and one step forward for us to make this a safe and inclusive space.”
Em and their mother Linda took over the former Dancing Dog Cafe in March 2020 and opened in February 2022.
Other accessibility features included a lowered section of the bar, a welcome space for guide dogs and service dogs and no strobe lighting, smoke machines or a mirror ball in the bandroom.
Details: www.gofundme.com/f/safe-and-accessible-venue-for-all or www.prking.com.au/lifts/portable-lifts/terry-portable/
