Minister for Community Sport, Ros Spence recently announced 88 grants worth more than $1.5 million from the Regional All Abilities Participation Grants program for grassroots sport and active recreation clubs, and not-for-profit organisations.
With grants of up to $25,000, the program aims to increase access, inclusion and options for people living with a disability to reap the benefits of sport and active recreation in regional Victoria.
On Monday, Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant joined Lyndie Freestone from Ocean Grove Surf Club to celebrate the arrival of their Sandcruiser Beach Wheelchairs.
Ocean Grove Surf Club successfully received funding through the Regional All Abilities Participation Grants for their Beach Access for All – Sandcruiser Wheelchairs Initiative. The initiative brings long term support to a pilot with the City of Geelong to enhance inclusive access to the beach and water with the purchase of two new all-terrain beach mobility wheelchairs. The specialised wheelchairs are designed to operate on soft sand and in shallow water, enabling people with limited mobility to safely enjoy the shoreline and ocean environment. This important addition supports the Club’s commitment to accessibility, community inclusion, and ensuring everyone can experience Ocean Grove’s iconic beach.
The Ocean Grove beach now has great access with the new chairs supported by the capital improvements to change room facilities and easy ramp access. Combined this brings a new level of support for those wanting to access our iconic beach or dip their toes in the water on hot days.
Anyone from the local or broader community can access the chairs by contacting the club directly.
The program is part of the Labor Government’s $40 million All Abilities Sport Fund that is removing barriers for people with disability to get involved in sport and recreation across regional Victoria.
Increasing opportunities for more Victorians to participate in sport and active recreation is a key objective of the Labor Government’s Active Victoria 2022-2026 – a strategic framework for sport and active recreation in Victoria.
For more information on the grants and a full list of recipients visit sport.vic.gov.au
Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant
“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.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence
“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.”
Quote attributable to Ocean Grove SLSC Club President Lyndie Freestone
“Ensuring everyone can enjoy our beach and ocean is incredibly important to our 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.”
