Whyalla City Council, Surf Life Saving Club, Whyalla Access Group members celebrating this milestone.
Accessible Beach Program - Handover
Thursday 2 December 2021
One hundred and one audacious ideas for Whyalla is where it all began, ultimately resulting in the Accessible Beach Program, which has now been officially handed over to the Whyalla Surf Life Saving Club (WSLSC).
Back in 2017, Advancing Whyalla held a three-day workshop for local stakeholders and the community to dream up crazy ideas for our city.
The concept to bring beach wheelchairs to Whyalla was one of the ideas pitched and the group now known as the Whyalla Access Group was formed to make this concept a reality.
After years of challenges, triumphs, and a few setbacks, the project has now reached a major milestone, with the management of the Accessible Beach Program being handed over to the WSLSC in its entirety.
Whyalla City Council Youth Development Officer Gail Rostig has been a part of the journey from conception and will now proudly hand over the reins.
“It has been a long road to get to this point, so I’m thrilled that a volunteer organisation like the WSLSC sees the value and impact that this program has on the community and has put their hand up to continue it into the future,“ Ms Rostig said.
“The beach wheelchairs are a real asset to our community, a great addition to our beautiful foreshore. We’ve had visitors travel from far and wide - including Mannum and Eudunda - to utilise this great service.”
A two-year pilot program has now been successfully completed in partnership with the WSLSC crew. WSLSC member Phil Zubrinich said the club was looking forward to continuing to provide the service to the community.
“We’re so pleased that we can assist and run the program moving forward. The joy that this program brings to the faces of those that access the chairs and beach mats makes it all worthwhile. We feel proud to help and be a part of making a difference in people’s lives,” Mr Zubrinich said.
Combine this with the Changing Places building fully accessible toilet system, accessible fishing locations on the jetty, and the Whyalla foreshore is now the place to go for an all-inclusive experience!
Council would like to thank everyone who has played a role in creating this community program, which was created by locals, for locals.
To find out more about the Accessible Beach Program visit the Whyalla Surf Live Saving Club website here.
The Accessible Beach Program has been proudly supported by the following:
Whyalla Access Group, British American Motorcycle Club, Lions Club of Whyalla, Eddie Hughes MP, Member for Giles, The Wellness Centre Walk and Talk Group, Whyalla City Council, Whyalla YAC and the Whyalla Surf Life Saving Club.