BEACH access for all has been achieved with the rollout of MobiMats at The Anchorage corner entry to Jimmys Beach, Hawks Nest on Friday morning.
The Jimmys Beach MobiMats project was spearheaded by the Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Progress Association (HNTGPA), inspired by similar accessibility mats installed seasonally by the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club on Bennetts Beach.
“The MobiMats were voted as a top priority by HNTGPA membership early this year,” HNTGPA President Thomas O’Keefe told NOTA.
“Several PA members expressed their keen desire to see something of this sort go down at Jimmys Beach.
“It’s not until you actually consider accessibility that you realise how inaccessible even our natural beaches can be for those with mobility issues.
“The location of the mats was chosen for its good wind protection, relatively low incline, excellent drainage, and immediate proximity to a valid carparking area, meaning those who need to use it can park right next to it.”
The Jimmys Beach mats will remain in place year-round, with daily checking and maintenance by Progress Association members.
“This project became an excellent opportunity for inter-group cooperation, a concept which we agreed this year to be a foundational facet of the Progress Association’s modus operandi,” Thomas added.
“Part of the Progress Association’s goal is to work with the other local groups to achieve their goals, keeping our twin towns a fantastic place to live.
“David Lau, Facilities Co-Ordinator and main volunteer caretaker of the Bennetts Beach MobiMats, was of immense assistance with both the initial layout back in March to help prove the concept, and returned to help plan and execute the rollout, and the Tea Gardens Lions donated a significant amount from their hard-raised funds to help us bring this project to the community.”
The MobiMats are not cheap, and the project was only achievable through donations from the Lions and SLSC, as well as a $5000 grant via the Stronger Communities Round 9 Federal grant this year, thanks to the direct support of outgoing Lyne MP Dr David Gillespie.
Two of the 10-metre mat sections were kindly donated by the SLSC, and a third section was bought new with the grant and Lions donation.
“The mat will provide safe and easy access for people with disabilities, the elderly, and others who may otherwise struggle to enjoy our beautiful beach,” HNTGPA Vice President Sandra Bourke said.
“A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came together today from across the clubs and community – this was a truly joint effort that shows what we can achieve when we work together.”
Attending the rollout of the mats on Friday was current Lyne MP Alison Penfold.
“The MobiMats are a fantastic initiative, [with the] Progress Association, Lions and SLSC working together,” she said.
“I hope it makes a huge difference to the locals and visitors, who can now access the beach much more easily.
“The beach is there for all to enjoy, and now wheelchairs, prams, walking frames and other mobility assistance devices can use these mats, giving equity of access,” Ms Penfold told NOTA.
Almost immediately after rollout, less mobile members of the public visiting the beach on the beautiful morning discovered and expressed joy at the mats in place.
“It’s wonderful, I can come here now without anyone needing to come along and assist me now,” said one elderly passer-by.
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