Community project U-Beach has been announced as a finalist in the Best Community Program category for the Australian Disability Service Awards.
The U-Beach research program led to the introduction of the region’s first disability access beach mat at Nielson Park Beach, which was funded by Bundaberg Regional Council and is stored by Bundaberg Surf Lifesaving Club.
The project is a collaboration between CQUniversity, Bundaberg Regional Council, Surf Lifesaving Queensland, Community Lifestyle Support and Rotary Bundaberg Region, as well as local education providers and sporting clubs.
Through the program led by CQUniversity Bundaberg physiotherapy lecturer Sasha Job, U-Beach aims to improve beach access for every member of the community and support participation.
Sasha said it was an absolute honour to be named as a national finalist.
“To be considered one of the top four community programs for people with disability in Australia is honestly quite surreal,” she said.
“We are very proud of our U-Beach program and are committed to working with our people and partners on projects that improve beach accessibility and inclusion in beach-based activities for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.”
Nominees were invited to submit details of their community project including program objectives, activity type and participation rates, outcomes achieved, and community value.
One Community, which hosts the Australian Disability Service Awards, contacted Sasha and advised her of U-Beach’s achievement in reaching the finals.
“This recognition really shows us that our work is valued and that our efforts align with our community’s needs,” Sasha said.
“I hope that this recognition supports us to continue to build social momentum for improving beach accessibility to ensure the beach belongs to all of us.
“I am so excited to represented U-Beach and our Bundaberg Region at the Australian Disability Service Awards to be held in Melbourne on November 23.”
More information about U-Beach can be found here.
I am thrilled with this idea has been adopted here. Last week I read a post about Fleetwood Wheelchairs and thought how well the idea could be copied here.
I now know the beach is near Blackpool in the UK.
They don’t appear to use a mat but have a wide range of wheelchairs available that suit every type of disability. I commented when I saw the first photo because a walker would be what I need but as I scrolled I saw that they catered for every type of severely disabled people. Imagine what a difference a beach holiday could make to a disabled person and their family confined to their home year round.
The town also had accommadation with suitable facilities for the disabled and their carers.