A SWATHE of accessibility measures were installed at Frankston Beach last week.
Last Friday, 5 December, 70 metres of beach matting extending to the water’s edge was put into place. Complimentary beach wheelchairs and equipment, daybeds, and cabanas were also installed. Trained staff and volunteers have also been placed onsite for the summer.
The pilot program, which is set to cost around $200,000, has been supported by multiple local donors. Accessible Beaches Australia has spearheaded the project – the proposal was inspired by a similar accessible beach in Nice, France.
Accessible Beaches Australia founder Shane Hryhorec said if successful, the program will be launched at other major Australian beaches.
“This is going to change the story for people with disability. I visited Antibes last year, one of the most accessible beaches in the world and now we’re trialling that same model here in Frankston. If it works, we’ll replicate it across the country,” Hryhorec said.
The local donors who brought the project to life were: Social Inclusion Action Group – Frankston, Rotary Peninsula 2.0, Anaconda, Peninsula Leisure, Frankston RSL, Sandhurst Club, Monash University, Challenger Services Group/Nivad, Excel Australasia, The Dicker Family, The Australian Wuxi General Chamber of Commerce, MAAC Care, Seaford RSL, Frankston District Basketball Association, Grace Professional Services, Frankston District Netball Association, Signature Hospitality Group, Ecco Enterprises Group, Sinopec, South East Water, Bayside Shopping Centre/Vicinity, Ash Marton Realty, Rotary Club of Frankston, Rotary Club of Frankston Sunrise, Frankston North Rotary, Peninsula Health, Peninsula Rotaract, Chisholm TAFE Frankston, Frankston Business Collective, and CBRE management (ISPT). (“Donors help roll out beach matting” The Times, 5/12/2025)
The pilot program will run until February. To read more information or make a booking visit frankston.vic.gov.au/Community-and-Health/AccessibleBeaches/
First published in the Frankston Times – 9 December 2025