New equipment expands beach access at Ocean Grove

OCEAN Grove Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) has added two all-terrain beach wheelchairs to its equipment fleet, improving access to the sand and shoreline for people with limited mobility.

Bellarine MP Alison Marchant joined club president Lyndie Freestone at Ocean Grove Beach earlier this month to mark the arrival of the new Sandcruiser Beach Wheelchairs

Designed to operate on soft sand and in shallow water, the chairs allow people of all abilities to safely access the beach and ocean.

Ms Freestone said accessibility was a key priority for the club.

“The new beach mobility wheelchairs will make a real difference for people with limited mobility, giving them safe and dignified access to the sand and water, and helping us create a more inclusive beach environment for our entire community,” she said.

The new equipment builds on recent upgrades at Ocean Grove Beach, including improved changeroom facilities and ramp access, creating an all-abilities pathway from the car park to the water.

Ms Marchant said the chairs would help more people enjoy the coastline, particularly during summer.

“The Sandcruiser Beach Wheelchairs are a valuable addition to the Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club, enabling more locals and visitors to enjoy our beautiful coastlines and beaches,” she said.

The equipment was funded through the state government’s Regional All Abilities Participation Grants program.

Minister for Community Sport, Ros Spence, said the funding was aimed at reducing barriers to participation for people with disability.

“We want to create inclusive environments for people with disability to not only participate but kick start new opportunities in a range of roles in the sports they love,” she said.

The beach wheelchairs are available for community use by contacting the Ocean Grove SLSC directly.