Frankston Leads the Way: Australia’s Most Inclusive Beach

A story of access, inclusion, and the joy of returning to the water

While travelling through beautiful France, Shane Hryhorec noticed something extraordinary, beaches where everyone, including people using wheelchairs, could roll straight down to the water’s edge. Floating chairs, beach matting, and supportive volunteers made it possible for people of all abilities to enjoy the ocean. The experience stayed with him.

When he returned home to Australia, Shane couldn’t stop thinking: why don’t we have this here?
Determined to change that, he founded Accessible Beaches Australia with a vision to make every beach in the country open to all. Six years ago, he began conversations with Frankston City Council about bringing that dream to life locally, making Frankston Beach one of the first to lead the way.
Frankston is now proudly recognised as one of Australia’s leading locations for accessible
beaches, thanks to the combined efforts of Accessible Beaches Australia, Frankston City Council, and a passionate network of local advocates, families, and community groups.

So why Frankston?
Frankston was chosen for Australia’s accessible beach pilot because of its wide foreshore, existing amenities, and strong community support. The site offered the perfect layout to trial full beach access from the car park to the water.

Council’s commitment to inclusion, along with the enthusiasm of local volunteers and Rotary Peninsula 2.0, made Frankston the ideal location to lead the way.
Shane’s mission is simple: to make every beach in Australia a place everyone can enjoy. His lived experience continues to drive that goal, and Frankston has become a proud pilot site showing what true accessibility looks like in action.

One of the most touching moments came from Kayden Crombie, a local boy whose first trip back into the water in four years was made possible thanks to the new beach matting and floating wheelchair facilities. His smile said everything, joy, freedom, and belonging. For his family, it was more than just a swim; it was a moment of inclusion and hope.

Thanks to the incredible support from the community during the 2024 Rotary Duck Derby, Rotary Peninsula 2.0 purchased the beach matting using funds raised through that event. The matting has now been loaned to the program as part of this exciting pilot initiative, a perfect example of how local generosity can create lasting impact.

When the new beach matting was officially launched, it marked a milestone six years in the making. Shane Hryhorec was joined by Paralympic tennis player Heath Davidson OAM, recognised for his outstanding contribution to Australian sport to cut the ribbon, celebrating a future where everyone can enjoy the beach without barriers. Mayor Kris Bolam reaffirmed Council’s commitment to making Frankston Australia’s most accessible beach, recognising that progress like this takes vision, persistence, and community heart.

For more information or to get involved, visit accessiblebeaches.com or frankston.vic.gov.au.

Written by Sally Syle – Editor Gotta Love Frankston