City of Greater Geraldton, Media Release, 17 August 2021

Beach access just got a whole lot easier with the relocation of two Hippocamp Beach Access Wheelchairs to Champion Beach.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the relocation was made possible by a generous offer by the Champion Bay Surf Life Saving Club to assist with chair loans.

“We are so blessed with wonderful beaches here in Geraldton, and we believe that everyone should be able to enjoy them regardless of ability,” he said.

“Partnering up with Champion Bay Surf Life Saving Club to ensure the community has access to the wheelchairs is another step towards achieving a more inclusive Geraldton.

“We’d like to extend our thanks and appreciation to the Club for their generosity and willingness to ensure our beaches are enjoyed by all.”

Champion Bay Surf Life Saving Club President Peter Nelson shared the sentiment.

“Accessibility is about so much more than policy, it’s about taking action,” he said.

“Champion Beach is a wonderful location for wheelchair access due to the inherently safe conditions.

“We as a club are so happy to be able to do our part to ensure everyone can access the beach safely.”

Formerly housed at the Changing Places Accessible facility in the Youth Precinct at Stow Gardens and Two Foreshore Cafe, the City has owned the wheelchairs since 2005.

Community members interested in hiring the chair can do so by completing an online loan agreement form.

The chairs are available from 8am until 11am on Saturdays and Sundays between March and October, or on Saturday and Sunday from 8am until 1pm between October and March.

Agencies and Support Workers who would like to access the wheelchairs outside of these set times can contact Peter Nelson on 0407 471 828 to discuss their needs.