Surf's up for everyone at U-BEACH Community Beach Day
Central Queenslanders experienced the beach without barriers at CQUniversity’s U-BEACH Community Beach Day events this week.
Held at Emu Park (Wednesday 16 April) and Bargara (Thursday 17 April), the two U-BEACH Community Beach Days welcomed hundreds of attendees of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
Led by CQUniversity's physiotherapy team, the events featured a wide range of activities designed to be accessible to everyone including swimming, kites, football, cricket and sand games.
CQU physiotherapy lecturer and event organiser, Sasha Job said the annual events recognise the importance of opportunities that allow people with a disability or mobility challenges to experience the beach.
"The joy and excitement on everyone's faces was truly rewarding,” Ms Job said.
"Inclusivity is at the heart of our mission at U-BEACH and we want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy and freedom that the beach offers.”
The community beach days also showcased an array of accessible beach equipment, including beach mats, adapted walkers, wheelchairs and hoists for transfers.
“People who use wheelchairs or have mobility challenges find it difficult or impossible to traverse over sand, restricting them from the beach,” Ms Job said.
“Our volunteers, including CQU physiotherapy students, provided physical assistance to help people with varying mobility levels access the sand and the ocean.”
Attendees reported experiencing a range of benefits from the experience – from physical health such as reduced stress and enjoyment, to social benefits from meeting friends, family and community members.
Jenny Fitzgerald was one local resident who attended the U-BEACH event at Emu Park.
After not being able to access the water for many years, Ms Fitzgerald was able to enjoy the ocean with the help of the physiotherapy team and a mobility chair.
“It was so wonderful, and I absolutely loved it,” she said.
“There needs to be more programs for beach accessibility across the state, for people to be able to enjoy the beach like everyone else can.”
Ms Job said the success of the U-BEACH Community Beach Days highlights the need for more accessible beach programs in regional Queensland.
"The support from our partners and sponsors has been phenomenal. Their commitment to accessibility and inclusivity has made this event possible and successful,” she said.
“With ongoing support and innovative projects, we hope to make even greater strides in promoting accessibility and inclusivity in the regions.”
