Mackay Community Dives Into Inclusion At U-BEACH Day

Mackay turned up the sunshine and community spirit for the region’s very first U-BEACH Community Beach Day, making waves for inclusion, connection, and coastal fun at the Harbour Beach last Friday, 30 May.

With more than 100 attendees embracing the laid-back atmosphere, the day was a joyful celebration of diversity and accessibility. The shoreline came alive with a vibrant mix of activities, from swimming and walking to kite-flying, beach cricket, sand games, and spirited sandcastle building.

Event organiser and CQUniversity physiotherapy researcher Sasha Job said it was incredible to see so many people of all ages and abilities enjoying the beach together.

“This event is all about creating a welcoming and inclusive space where everyone can participate, connect and have fun,” she said.

“Our hope is that events like this spark ongoing change – not just for one day, but for how we think about accessibility every day. The beach should be a place of freedom, not frustration, for people with mobility challenges.”

The accessible event helped to facilitate access to the beach for people of all abilities through the use of specialist resources and equipment including beach mats and wheelchairs. CQU physiotherapy students provided physical assistance for beach transfers and activities on the sand.

She acknowledged the support from local volunteers, students and organisations in making the day a success.

“The community spirit is what makes this so special. It shows what can be achieved when we all work together to remove barriers,” Ms Job said.

“Our goal is to make inclusive beach days like this the norm, not the exception. We hope today’s event inspires more local councils and communities to invest in accessible infrastructure.”

This year’s U-BEACH Mackay Community Beach Day also benefited from the addition of Mackay Surf Life Saving Club’s new all-abilities beach access mat at Harbour Beach, made possible through a $17,327 Queensland Country Bank Good for Good Community Grant.

Queensland Country Bank Mackay Area Manager Bill Paton said the matting will enable more members of the community to safely enjoy one of Mackay’s most popular beaches, and he was delighted to see it being used at the Community Beach Day.

“We’re proud to support the Mackay Surf Life Saving Club in making our coastline more inclusive,” Mr Paton said.

“Access to the beach should be something everyone can enjoy, and this matting means people using wheelchairs, walkers, or prams now have a safe, stable path to the water’s edge.

“As a member-owned bank, giving back to the communities we’re part of is what drives us, and we’re delighted that the beach access mat will continue to benefit the community for many years to come.”

The Queensland Country Bank Good for Good Grants Program is held annually, with the next round opening for applications from 1 July 2025.

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Mackay’s first-ever U-BEACH Community Beach Day made a splash at Harbour Beach, uniting over 100 people in a joyful, all-abilities celebration of inclusion, accessibility, and coastal fun. Photos supplied

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