Frankston makes history with national first accessible beach pilot
Published on 08 December 2025
Frankston City has officially unveiled Australia’s Most Accessible Beach pilot program, drawing widespread interest as the city leads the country in coastal accessibility.
The launch event, held on Friday at Frankston Beach, brought together community members, sponsors and partners, volunteers and advocates who helped make the program a reality. Federal Member for Dunkley, Jodie Belyea MP and State Member for Frankston, Paul Edbrooke MP joined Councillors in recognising this significant milestone for Frankston.
Delivered by Accessible Beaches Australia in collaboration with Frankston City Council, the Frankston Foreshore has been transformed to showcase a first-of-its-kind beach design in Australia.
The sites include 70 metres of beach matting running across the beach and to the water’s edge, daybeds shaded by cool cabanas, five beach wheelchairs and two beach walkers, and a hoist to support transfers between wheelchairs. The pilot is operated by trained paid staff and volunteers as well Live Saving Victoria members.
Frankston City Mayor Kris Bolam JP said this groundbreaking project will transform the way thousands of people experience the beach.
“Frankston is transforming from a seaside town to a vibrant coastal city that embraces diversity and inclusivity. That’s why we’re taking beach accessibility to the next level – to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy our most prized asset.”
“Frankston is proud to be the city that takes beach accessibility to a new level. We hope this pilot becomes the spark that inspires similar programs across Australia,” he said.
“Hearing families say this is the first time they’ll be able to visit the beach together is incredibly moving. That’s the real success of today.”
Beach participant, member of the Most Accessible Beach Advisory Committee and a Frankston Age Friendly Ambassador, Chris Wiggett said she hadn’t been in the water for over seven years.
“Last time I was knocked over which frightened me. This morning a volunteer helped me down to the water. I put my feet in and walked along the sand, and I cried, because it was the first time in years I could do that,” she said.
Another local participant, Carly Burns, said it was really nice to get into the water after so many years.
“I love being at the beach but I could never get past the concrete. I’ll definitely be coming back this summer,” Carly said.
Chair of Australia’s Most Accessible Beach Advisory Committee, Councillor Nathan Butler said the pilot was the result of strong collaboration across the community.
“The success of this initiative comes down to community organisations, local council, service groups, and local leaders working together to deliver outcomes that are bigger, bolder and more inclusive than any of us could achieve alone,” he said.
Founder and Chair, Accessible Beaches Australia, Shane Hryhorec said he was incredibly proud to be part of the most accessible beach project ever delivered in Australia.
“This is going to change the way our country thinks about beaches forever. It will have a massive impact on people of all ages and abilities, from aged care residents to families and people who use wheelchairs, giving everyone the freedom and dignity to enjoy the coastline on their terms,” he said.
The launch also acknowledged the many organisations whose financial and in-kind contributions helped bring the project to life, with nearly $200,000 raised locally to support the pilot.
The pilot program will run on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 10.30am and 2.30pm, commencing 6 December and finishing 28 February, located between the Frankston Pier and Kananook Creek.
This service is free, however bookings are recommended.
Visit www.frankston.vic.gov.au/accessible-beaches for more details and to secure your spot this summer.
Booking slots open two weeks in advance, and participants can secure a two-lounge cabana for one hour and 45 minutes at a time.