Horrific experience for a disabled veteran. Had pre booked and paid on-line for a room for 1 adult after being invited as a guest and speaker as part of the Bathurst Anzac Dawn Service and commemorations.
Upon arrival and check in with my registered medical service dog, reception cancelled my booking on the spot citing that I did not previously advise them I had a medical service dog requirement and they would not be providing accommodation. The receptionist went further to say “you people usually send us all your paperwork before arrival”. A Certificate of Proof of my animals legal status as a medical requirement was given to reception and the relevant law as it relates to anti discrimination was explained repeatedly, they cannot treat the disabled differently to any other person, this is just like throwing a blind person and their guide dog out of a taxi. Unfortunately this still occurs in Australia today - and the Heritage Motor Inn is an example of the abhorrent treatment that can be inflicted onto the disabled.
These dogs are specifically protected by law. They are not pets. They are essential to our dignity and as necessary as a waking crane or prosthetic leg. Guide dogs and medical services dogs are specially trained not only to assist their owner, but in hygiene practices. These animals are given a “spot” to stay on - don’t wander around the room or sleep in the bed and this is where they stay and sleep unless required. They are a working dog, not a pet. I’m never going to say that all dogs don’t stink - BUT owners of these particular dogs are also educated as part of the pairing and training process with their dog. Owners are educated on washing, grooming and especially on diets for the dogs to really limit any odour from the dogs. These dogs most often have additional funding to regularly attend to their veterinary care and to also have their scent glands attended to if need be. These types of dogs are well behaved, well groomed and any odour is to a minimum as part of ‘an overall package’ to use them daily in public spaces.
The receptionist told me that the anti discrimination laws have nothing to do with the hotel and don’t apply and that I would not be given the room. The receptionist made it clear I could have had a room if I didn’t have my registered medical assistance animal. At the time I had with me a hired carer to assist me before and after the Anzac commemorations who also fully witnessed this entire incident. The receptionist told me that she could contact the manager if I wished her too, I asked if she could. The receptionist said that it probably wouldn’t change anything. This did not occur straight away and after some wait the receptionist received a phone call. Whilst on the phone my carer was then referred to as my ‘girlfriend or his wife’ with an eye roll from the receptionist after saying he only booked for one person. It was clear that the receptionist was procrastinating on the phone to make this call take as long possible and make this situation as uncomfortable as possible. During a lengthy phone call my carer and I both heard the receptionist say that the room had been paid for, for one person and that it had been pre-booked and paid for online and that I had produced evidence of the dogs legal status. The receptionist appeared to prolong this phone call as long as possible I guess in the hope that we would just leave.
After this call we were shown a room and told that it wouldn’t be a good room but wouldn’t have to pay as much and we could just take it or leave it. The receptionist emphasised time and time again that this room was not as good as the rest of the motel or the room I had previously booked and there would be absolutely no way we could ever have a ‘good’ room. The receptionist even said that it might be just for the best if we didn’t even take this room and went somewhere else. If I thought for a moment that if there was definitely vacancies anywhere else in Bathurst, I would’ve left there and then but at 3pm without being able to secure definite accommodation I took the room.
This whole incident was frightening, degrading and humiliating. It has been more than 25 years since I have attended an Anzac Day service. This incident upset me so much, they robbed me of my dignity and self worth. During the night I did not sleep and contemplated leaving the room to sleep in my car instead. I was unable settle enough to attend this years Anzac service at Bathurst even with the help of my carer and registered medical service animal. I just went home mid morning instead.
All veterans in their preparedness to protect Australia wrote a blank cheque to the people of this great country “to the value of - up to and including my life”. Unfortunately…. for some…… their cheque was cashed.
I’m sorry I no longer have the strength I once had to endure, to attend in person, to grieve…, to honour, to remember ….., to walk amongst those who remain…… my brothers and sisters who made it to Bathurst this year.
As for the room, I don’t know what was on the lounge, grease or tar? I’m having a hell of a time getting it out of my suit and shirt BUT I’m really glad it didn’t get on my dog. At least the mat I brought for his spot near the door was clean. And - I am grateful I was at least offered a room albeit I’m not worthy of a good room.
