Mollymook beach will be one of the 11 beaches, play spaces and national parks across NSW that will become easier for people with disability to enjoy.
Four new beach wheelchairs, available for use and stored at Mollymook Surf Life Saving Club, will give locals and visitors greater independence to enjoy the beach.
This joint investment from the Shoalhaven City Council and Albanese Government builds on existing accessibility features at Mollymook Beach, including accessible toilets and playground facilities, and beach-wheelchair hire.
The new wheelchairs are part of the latest round of funding under the Accessible Australia initiative, which will provide $3.8 million for 37 new inclusive amenities projects across Victoria, the Northern Territory, Tasmania, South Australia, NSW, the ACT and Western Australia.
This includes $1.1 million for 11 projects in NSW, funded by the Albanese Government and administered by the Minns Government.
For the first time the Accessible Australia initiative is delivering beach wheelchairs, floating wheelchairs and beach matting, with eight inclusive beach projects, 12 fixed Changing Places facilities, five portable Changing Places facilities and 12 inclusive play spaces nationwide.
Funding is delivered through Federation Funding Agreement Schedules with the government working in partnership with participating states and territories.
Most of the facilities are expected to be completed by mid‑2028.
Quotes attributable to Senator McAllister, Federal Minister for the NDIS:
“There’s nothing more Australian than a day at the beach. We want everyone to be able to enjoy it.
“These new beach wheelchairs will make it easier for people with disability to enjoy the much-loved Mollymook Beach with their family and friends.
“I’m proud to be part of a government that invests in infrastructure and amenities to make sure people living with disability can enjoy our natural environment.”
Quotes attributable to Fiona Phillips, Federal Member for Gilmore:
“Mollymook is a family favourite with locals and visitors alike, and having disability access to the beach is so important in such a popular tourist destination.
“With the fantastic Livvi’s Place inclusive playground right next door, it means families can come and make the most of a range of accessible facilities at Mollymook Beach.
“Salt water, sunshine and fresh air can be so rejuvenating for the mind and body, so I’m really excited that these wheelchairs will allow everyone to enjoy the waves.
“I’m sure they will bring huge smiles to the faces of many children and adults with disabilities – especially when the local dolphins come and say hello.”
Quotes attributable to Kate Washington, State Minister for Disability Inclusion:
“Independence and dignity don’t stop at the water’s edge and these new beach wheelchairs at Mollymook will be a gamechanger for locals with disability.
“This is a practical but significant investment brought together by all levels of government working to make our communities fairer and more inclusive.”
Quotes attributable to Liza Butler, State Member for South Coast:
“We are incredibly lucky to have one of the most beautiful coastlines in Australia, and I’m thrilled that more locals and visitors with disability will now be able to enjoy everything Mollymook Beach has to offer.
“I’m proud to see all levels of government working together to make one of our most loved beaches more accessible and inclusive, ensuring more people can experience the sand, surf and beauty of Mollymook as the warmer weather arrives.”
Quotes attributable to Shoalhaven Mayor Patricia White:
“We welcome the awarding of more than $22,000 to Shoalhaven City Council in the form of an Accessible Australia grant.
“We’re thrilled to receive this Federal Government funding, arranged through the NSW Government. This generous grant has enabled Council to purchase four new all-terrain beach wheelchairs to be housed at Mollymook Surf Life Saving Club. There’s growing community demand for these important assets and they will be widely used by local people with a disability to access the water at stunning Mollymook Beach.
“Two of the beach wheelchairs are suitable for adults and two can be used by children or smaller adults. They will be available to loan at no charge from Saturday 26 September. It brings the number of beach wheelchairs available for use at Mollymook to six, and there’s now 17 in total across the Shoalhaven. The latest additions strengthen Council’s ability to improve access and inclusion for people with disability. We want to ensure that all people have fair and equitable access to the services and activities that our region has to offer.”
