Inclusive boost to water fun on Cairns Esplanade
Cairns community organisations have rallied for a healthier, more accessible waterfront, with an event to get people with mobility challenges enjoying the water.
On Saturday 18 April, CQUniversity’s Physiotherapy team partnered with Spinal Life Cairns, Independent Living Specialists Cairns, Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) and ARC Disability Services, to support locals of all abilities to enjoy the Esplanade Lagoon.
CQU Cairns Physiotherapy Lecturer Dr James Czencz said accessible equipment and thoughtful event design ensured participants could safely and confidently take part in water and waterfront activities.
“Our CQU Physiotherapy students played a key role, supporting participants in the lagoon, assisting with land-based activities, and contributing to a strong sense of community through their engagement,” Dr Czencz said.
“For many students, this was their first opportunity to work directly alongside individuals with lived experience of disability, and they gained valuable insight into participation, accessibility, and the real-world application of inclusive practice.”
Crucial connection
Third-year student Hailey Maynard said the unique experience made her appreciate the importance of community connection for her future career.
“We helped a lovely lady into the water, and she told us she hadn’t been in the lagoon since before she had the disability,” Hailey explained.
“She said whenever she sees a day like this promoted, she always puts her name down – she just loves being part of the community. And I thought, ‘that’s exactly the same as me!’”
A keen netballer and life-long Cairns local, 20-year-old Hailey chose CQU’s Bachelor of Physiotherapy when she realised she could stay in her community to study.
“I can be a bit harder to access healthcare in regional and remote communities, and studying and working here in Cairns means I can be part of the solution.”
U-BEACH and beyond
The fun day received plenty of positive feedback from both participants and students, and grows CQUniversity’s reputation for inclusive and accessible education and community initiatives.
Since 2020, CQU’s award-winning U-BEACH (Universal BEach ACcessibility Hub) Project has worked to make Australian beaches accessible by providing all-terrain beach wheelchairs, mobility mats, and training to promote safe access.
The Bundaberg-born initiative has grown across Queensland, and will come to Palm Cove in September.
Expanding on U-BEACH, CQU is also set to partner with SLSQ for Australia’s All-Abilities Surf Club Nippers programs at northern Cairns beaches, connecting Physiotherapy students with young participants.
“This is a genuine win–win for our region,” Mr Czencz said.
“We can deliver inclusive beach experiences for people living with disability while also providing authentic Work Integrated Learning opportunities for our students.”
Explore study pathways on CQUniversity's Physiotherapy course page.
