21 Apr 2006 - Beach Wheelchair Takes to Waves

A specially-designed wheelchair that allows people with disabilities and the elderly to fully enjoy a trip to the beach has been donated to the city's Lifeguards Service by a generous Coffs Harbour resident in memory of her husband.

Sylvia Taylor, who served during WWII with the Australian Women's Army Service, was moved to make the donation in the name of her husband Tony Taylor, a former RAAF veteran, after seeing a television programme on the Disabled Surfers Association of Australia.

"These light-weight chairs are designed to work well on soft sand so they can be pushed across the beach and into the water to give the person using them the chance to enjoy the waves," said Coffs Harbour Mayor, Councillor Keith Rhoades.

"This particular chair will be available for use for free on any beach in the local government area so, hopefully, it will make trips to the beach even more enjoyable for many local families," he said.

The beach wheelchair will be housed at the Coffs Harbour Lifeguard Service facility at Park Beach.

Arrangements to use the wheelchair can be made by contacting the Lifeguards at Council on 6648 4000.

Council's Lifeguards are also happy to arrange transport to a particular beach location for anyone wishing to use the chair.

Photo: Ed Atkinson and his brother Jeremy with Cr Keith Rhoades and Mrs Sylvia Taylor
at the presentation of the new beach wheelchair on 21 April 2006

Further Information:

Sara Hinds, Media Officer, 6648 4093/0407 227818