For the past six years, beach matting has provided wheelchair-friendly access to Fingal Beach for hundreds of thousands of visitors and community members .

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It was one of only two beaches in NSW to possess such an asset.

But in July this year, the matting was destroyed beyond repair during a severe storm and was removed by the surf club due to safety concerns.

That left them asking who was responsible for replacing it.

Fingal Beach had become an “inclusive” beach in November 2018, thanks to Ability Links NSW, Port Stephens Council, Push Mobility and generous members of the community.

The occasion was marked by an Accessible Beach Day and the special beach matting was opened for use by then Port Stephens Mayor, Ryan Palmer.

However, the loss of the matting left a burden in excess of $57,000, which far exceeded the surf club’s financial capabilities.

It reached out to a wide range of government agencies but was unable to secure support, so the onus was back on the club to replace it.

“Thanks to the commitment and persistence of the club directors, and with the support from Julie Saric at Sirius Insurance, the matting was replaced and re-laid by club volunteers, nearly six years to the day it was first laid down,” said President of Fingal Beach SLSC Jo Cooper.

The club also has specialist beach wheelchairs, which can be used in conjunction with the beach matting.

Joining Jo and her team for the re-launch of beach matting, and to mark the end of the 2024 Nippers season, was Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson.

“What this means for Port Stephens and the importance from my viewpoint for Council, is that we need our beaches to be accessible for all,” she said.

“Without the beach matting and these chairs, not only people with disabilities but families with prams would find it difficult to enjoy the area.

“I want to thank Jo and the club for being able to make this happen and being relentless with your unwavering support for the community.”

At the conclusion of the ceremony, club patrol members took some of the Nippers out into the bay in their surf boats to meet a special visitor.

Santa Claus arrived courtesy of the NSW Police Launch, giving Rudolph and his mates a rest before the big day.

He delighted local families with a wave and a “Ho Ho Ho”.

For more information on Fingal Beach SLSC and how to use the beach wheelchairs, visit fingalbeachslsc.com/.

By Simon EKINS