You’re invited: A beach day for everyone

Relax and unwind with the whole family this Saturday (November 9) as the Sunshine Coast celebrates inclusivity and accessibility with the free All Access Day at Dicky Beach.

Set to be full of fun and community spirit, the event will be held from 10am to 1pm.

Sunshine Coast Council Division 2 Councillor Terry Landsberg said All Access Day at Dicky Beach was designed for everyone to enjoy.

“People of all abilities on our Sunshine Coast deserve to experience the beauty and benefits our beaches have to offer and during the day there will be all-abilities activities including access mats and beach wheelchairs,” Cr Landsberg said.

“The event also includes live music, wheelchair dancing, sand and water play, a sensory tent for those with sensory sensitivities, seated bocce, kite-flying, face painting, service provider stalls and a classic beach barbecue to keep everyone well-fed.

“One of the most exciting parts of the day will be the talent competition, Dicky Beach Has Talent, where you can sign-up on the day to show off your skills or cheer others on.”

Discover wheelchair accessible beaches

On the Sunshine Coast people of all ages can use beach matting, wheelchairs and life jackets for free, and bookings are required.

Strong Community Portfolio Councillor Cr Taylor Bunnag said select surf life saving clubs provided the equipment on weekends and public holidays between September and May, with other arrangements sometimes available.

“Council is prioritising accessibility improvements at beaches and we’re proud to have developed our Accessible Beach Program in collaboration with our community partners,” Cr Bunnag said.

“The All Access Day at Dicky Beach and the Accessible Beach Program are outcomes of Council’s All Abilities Action Plan 2024-2028, working towards a more inclusive Sunshine Coast for people with disability.”

The Accessible Beach program is available through the Metropolitan-Caloundra Surf Life Saving Club, Coolum Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club and Dicky Beach Surf Life Saving.

A beach wheelchair and a beach walker are also available for hire from Compass Institute, Caloundra.

To book and for all the details, visit Council’s website.

More to enjoy

Disability Action Week 2024 will be held from November 24 to December 1. 

This year’s theme is ‘Accessible Communication: connect, include and empower’ and Sunshine Coast Council, in partnership with our community, has developed a comprehensive calendar of events celebrating Disability Action Week.

Highlights include the FUNctional Market Day on November 30 at the Millwell Road Community Centre and the Accessible Sunshine Coast Photo Competition, plus much more.

Images from previous All Access Day at the Beach event.