Sand, surf, support as Capricorn Coast welcomes all abilities

CQUniversity’s Universal Beach Access Hub (U-BEACH) is growing its life-changing impact, with new mobility equipment to make Emu Park Main Beach more accessible for all.

The new all-terrain wheeled walker and floating wheelchair will ensure Central Queenslanders living with disabilities can get a healthy fix of sand and surf, with support from the Emu Park Surf Life Saving Club (EPSLSC) and local café The Honeybee Collective.

The award-winning U-BEACH team purchased the valuable equipment thanks to generous support from Keppel Bay Sailing Club and Whitehaven Coal.

The walker and wheelchair will be stored at the EPSLSC, and made available for public use via on-patrol lifesavers or The Honeybee Collective.

CQU Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy and U-BEACH member Dr Luke Heales said the new equipment provides greater options for the local community.

“Since 2020, U-BEACH has been working with Queensland communities to improve the health, wellbeing, and quality of life of people living with disability, by getting them onto the beach and into the ocean,” Dr Heales said.

“This new, permanent equipment adds to the accessible matting and sand-adapted wheelchair already available at Emu Park Main Beach, and ensures users with mobility challenges can actually get into the water safely.

“The Emu Park Surf Life Saving Club has been an incredible advocate for transforming access at their site.” 

The purpose-built beach aids will be on show and available for use at the U-BEACH Community Beach Day on Wednesday 16 April at Emu Park Main Beach, from 9am until 1pm.  

The free event will also feature a diverse range of sand and water-based activities, including beach games and swimming with support from CQU Allied Health staff and students.

EPSLSC President Craig Beevers said the club was excited to grow opportunities for local people to head to the beach, especially those who had been shut out by accessibility challenges.

“The members of our Club put a great deal of time and energy into ensuring we are as inclusive as possible.  We are always looking for ways to make beach access easy and accessible for all.  This new equipment will do just that.  We are excited to see some new faces come down and enjoy our beautiful beach with us.”

Livingstone Shire Council Recreation and Culture Committee Co-Chair Councillor Andrea Friend said Council’s efforts in upgrading the Emu Park Main Beach access has enabled CQUni to partner with Emu Park Surf Lifesaving club to bring their U-Beach Access days to the Capricorn Coast.

 “Council has proudly supported this project, and thanks CQUniversity for obtaining funding to recently purchase additional beach mobility equipment,” Cr Friend said.

 “This means that the equipment and can be made available on a permanent basis, rather than just on beach access days.”

Recreation and Culture Committee Co-Chair Councillor Lance Warcon acknowledged the importance of accessible places and spaces around our community. 

“We are very proud to see the accessible beach at Emu Park continue to evolve and become a meaningful community asset for people with mobility impairments,” Cr Warcon said.

 “The beach environment is fantastic for our health and wellbeing, and this partnership between CQU, Emu Park Surf Lifesaving Club and Honeybee Collective, has made it possible for our vulnerable residents to also enjoy this natural environment.  

“We look forward to seeing our community come along to enjoy the upcoming U-Beach Community Beach Day.”

The U-BEACH Community Beach Day is proudly supported by CQUniversity, Keppel Bay Sailing Club, and Whitehaven Coal.

The U-BEACH team is seeking further sponsorship and local involvement to help make the event a roaring success. If you are interested in providing sponsorship or assistance on the day, please reach out to Dr Luke Heales on l.heales@cqu.edu.au.

U-BEACH is a research-informed, collaborative community initiative, that breaks down barriers and fosters a more inclusive society, where everyone can enjoy the beach and related health benefits.  

In 2023 U-BEACH receive the Community Champion Award at the Universities Australia Shaping Australia Awards, and the Best Community Program at the National Disability Service Awards.