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This page provides useful links, resources and services which may be of interest to people with disability.
Relay and translating support
Auslan translating service
If you require Auslan translating services, a variety of organisations are available to assist. These organisations offer comprehensive translating support services, catering to both in-person and remote events and activities:
Each of these organisations is committed to providing quality interpreting services, ensuring effective communication and promoting inclusivity. It is recommended to explore each of these options to find the one that best suits your specific needs.
National Relay Service
The National Relay Service (NRS) can help people who have difficulty hearing or speaking on the phone by involving a relay officer in the call. The NSR app and website accommodate and offer a variety of communication options from internet relay, captioned relay, SMS relay, video relay and more.
For more information, please visit the National Relay Service website or contact the NRS helpdesk (8.00am - 6.00pm Eastern Standard Time) on 1800 555 660.
Services and resources
Beach mobility hire
The City of Stirling has a beach wheelchair available for the public to hire for free at our premier tourist destination, Scarborough Beach.
To book the beach wheelchair, please ensure you read the beach wheelchair safety use and instructions (below) before making a booking.
To book the beach wheelchair please ensure you read the Beach Wheelchair safety use and instructions below before making a free booking.
The beach wheelchair is stored in a cabinet on the Scarborough Beach foreshore - lower level. To access the beach wheelchair, a free booking must be made. Please ensure you read the Beach Wheelchair safety use and instructions prior to booking.
The beach wheelchair cabinet is accessed using a Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK). As part of your hire of the beach wheelchair, you are welcome to store your existing wheelchair in the lockable cabinet while you use the beach wheelchair.
If you are a Companion Card holder, you can receive a free key from the National Disability Services (NDS).
If you do not have your own key, you can access one from the Scarborough Beach Pool Reception during business hours.
People with a disability are able to purchase an MLAK key that will open all doors, toilets, playground equipment, and other facilities fitted with a lock that uses the special MLAK cylinder. For further information, visit the Master Locksmiths website.
Where do I go?
The beach wheelchair cabinet can be found at the bottom of the stairs at Scarborough Esplanade. View the map to find out more.
As part of your beach wheelchair booking, you are entitled to access a restricted accessible parking bay. This bay is accessible via the C-Breeze Kiosk carpark, northern end, and then drive across the boardwalk into the restricted area. This parking is limited to your booking time only.
Beach wheelchair instructions and terms
All participants and carers are responsible for their own safety and must be aware of the following guidelines:
All universal beach rules must be followed at all times. These include:
- Swim between the yellow/red flags
- Sun safe message: 'slip, slop, slap'
- The beach is a public place, and therefore all other patrons’ rights must be respected.
- Max safe weight loading for this product is 100kg
- Care must be taken when using the wheelchair over uneven or unsteady ground
- Care should be taken in hot weather as the metal frame and armrests can heat up and lead to burns
- It is recommended to transfer on flat ground for increased stability
- Users should not try this product on their own. It is designed to be pushed by someone other than the person sitting in it
- The wheelchair may become unstable if the user has a disability that creates excessive movement or rocking motions
- The front castors rotate 360 degrees and make turning easy to maneuver
- To apply the park brake: steady the chair, release the parking brake/anti-tip bar assembly manually from the nylon clip, and swing down towards the rear wheels. Lifting the locking bar upwards releases the park brake
- The front footrest is adjustable for angle and height using the locking handles that are fitted on either side of the front pivot frame. This is done by turning the locking handles on either side in an anti-clockwise motion and then locking in position by moving the handles in a clockwise direction. The front footrest can be taken off by removing the two spring-loaded drop latch pins
- Armrests can be raised to a position of 90 degrees from the horizontal, allowing for easier transfers
- The chair is not designed to move up and down stairs whilst loaded.
- If entering the water and you are unable to swim, you must be accompanied at all times
- It is advisable to wear a life jacket and follow all surf lifesaving instructions, such as entering the water in a patrolled swimming area
- FreeWheeler is stable with water levels at around the center height of the wheels
- The FreeWheeler has balloon tires which tend to be buoyant depending on the weight being carried
- By taking the chair into deeper water, it must be noted that the chair will float and become unstable, requiring considerable effort in controlling its stability
- The wheelchair may become unstable if the user has a disability that creates excessive movement or rocking motions
- Caution needs to be taken in environments where there is a chance of wave action, as unexpected movement of the chair is a risk factor for users
- Wave patterns, wind strength, type of beach, and underwater formations can all affect the use of the chair.
Be safe and enjoy the beach!
There are multiple accessible parking bays along the Scarborough precinct.
Please visit Scarborough parking for more information.
