Our beaches are beautiful and I can't imagine not being able to walk across the sand to dip my toes in the water, have a paddle or a swim.
Yet too many people can't reach the water's edge due to their physical health holding them back. Beaches aren't the friendliest of places for wheelchairs and crossing sand can be difficult for people using wheelchairs as well as people with walking aids or prams.
That's why I'm partnering with the Adelaide community, Surf Life Saving SA and Seacliff Surf Life Saving Club, to trial a beach access mat at Seacliff beach. We hope that this mat can be rolled out during surf life saving patrols to direct people to the safest part of the beach and, in the longer term, we hope to see these access mats at every patrolled beach in Adelaide.
How you can help
In conjunction with Seacliff Surf Life Saving Club, I have set up a crowdfunding website, aiming to raise $10,000 to make this idea a reality as soon as possible! Donations are tax deductible and all funds raised will be managed by Seacliff Surf Life Saving Club.
You can help by donating and sharing this campaign! Click here to learn more or to donate today. If you would like to donate via cheque, please make the cheque out to 'Seacliff Surf Life Saving Club - Beach for All' and post to PO Box 29, Brighton SA 5048.
Why crowdfund?
A lot of people have asked me, 'why crowdfunding? Shouldn't council or the state government fund this great initiative?' The answer in my opinion is definitely yes, but I also know that the wheels of government bureaucracy turn slowly and that significant lobbying would be required to make this idea a reality. My idea is for this funding to be used to trial a beach access mat at Seacliff, show how they work and then lobby council and state government to fund them across South Australia.
If 1,000 people give $10, together we can make this happen!
If you can't afford to give, simply share this campaign with your friends, family and colleagues and together we will ensure our beaches are accessible for all!