Wheelchair accessible beach at Swansea

More than 100 members of the community gathered for a special event at Swansea to celebrate the completion of the May Shaw Health Centre Beach Wheelchair project, an initiative that Pip Briggs commenced before her sudden death in 2022. Pip’s colleagues at May Shaw Health Centre were able to bring the project to life with the support of community donations and funding through the Nutrien Ag Solutions Community Grants program.  

Tom Adams, Nutrien Ag Solutions Campbell Town said the community can now access the beach via a purpose-built ramp and two beach wheelchairs. 

“We are proud to support this project that will allow May Shaw’s residents access to the beach where before it may have been difficult for them. Being able to target specific worthwhile projects through our community grants program ensures we are creating a meaningful impact for those in our regional communities,” said Mr Adams. 

The May Shaw Health centre is located near the picturesque Schouten Beach, with residents making regular visits to the beach. However, many residents face issues with mobility which can impact their ability to safely navigate and enjoy the beach and water.  

“We thought it would be really wonderful here in our community. We are a very beach-orientated community, and this project has been such a passion of the residents to have access to the beach,” said Fiona Onslow-Agnew, May Shaw’s Chief Executive. 

Local Swansea resident, Davie Gee, lives across from the beach but due to struggles with his mobility, his parent’s find it difficult for Davie to access the beach. With the use of the new beach wheelchairs and ramp access, Davie’s mother Maxine now feels it’s safer to take Davie to the beach. “We can take him to the beach now and know that if he has any challenges, he’s in the chair and he can’t hurt himself.”  

The beach wheelchairs will be housed at the health centre and available for use by members of the community and visitors to the region through an online booking form.    

Pictured: Tom Adams (Branch Manager), Josh Sattler (General Manager), Fiona Onslow-Agnew (May Shaw Chief Executive)