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Posted:04-02-2012

"Return, Destroy or Dump"
The Saga of:
SLSA Bans Beach Wheelchairs

It is hard to believe a bigger act of beach access bastardry, than the one enacted by SLSA back in November last year, when they banned the use of beach wheelchairs by their Surf Life Saving Clubs.
This egregious act was only discovered 4 days before Xmas after an enquiry from a concerned Victorian Surf Life Saving Club secretary, asking us to check if it was correct.
A flurry of phone calls and emails was generated from our end to the top CEOs of Surf Life Saving, all to no avail (no answer or reply - nada).
On New Year's Day an ABC TV investigative journo confirmed the ban from the CEO of SLSA, Brett Williamson, only that "it was temporary".
From that moment on, until the present time, SLSA degenerated into a mountain of spin and serious 'deep hole digging', 'clarifying' Brett's comments a few hours later by saying it was only for 'new/future acquisitions' because of reports of an unknown donor who was about to give SLSA 200 beach wheelchairs. But they had "no details as to who/ what/ why".
Classic excuses included 'these new chairs are high tech, requiring specialized training' - pity the same chairs have been in SLSCs for up to 10 years. Or the implication that the chairs had the same degree of risk as jetski, IRB, helicopter, surf ski or surf boat usage.
This ban therefore was akin to the Coalition of the Willing's pre-emptive strike strategy on Iraq - get in first before there is an established threat. Instead of the threat of 'Weapons of Mass Destruction', SLSA was treating the issue of beach wheelchairs, housed in their SLSCs, as their own WMD threat viz "Wheelchairs of Mass Distraction".
On January 2 the DSAA wrote to all 7 of SLSA's CEOs, state and national, outlining in great detail, our abhorrence to their ban while at the same time offering solutions to any problems as possibly perceived by SLSA, providing "they wanted to cater for all Australians, in the first place". And finally, "under no circumstances, should TGA approved Sandcruisers (formerly Freewheelers) be destroyed while this matter is being resolved."
On Friday 6th January, another aggrieved SLSC member provided us with the smoking gun: an email from the Sunshine Coast SLSA Branch, dated 30.11.11, proving the ban was far worse than just 'temporary' or 'only for new acquisitions':
"wheelchairs be returned immediately to the organisation that donated/left them at the club or failing that have them destroyed or dumped at council waste transfer station"
Oops.
What did the DSAA do? Quite a lot, actually. By this time we had had the debacle aired on National ABC TV news 4.1.12, dozens of newspapers and radio stations across Australia, and had written to every State and Federal Politician who had anything to do with a Disability/ Sport/ Community services portfolio.
Saturday 14th had a particularly appalling story (for SLSA) in the Sunshine Coast Daily, where apart from everything else, there was the first reported confirmation of the destruction of a beach wheelchair, one of our Sandcruisers (Freewheelers), by the Caloundra SLSC when reluctantly following the SLSA edict.
On Monday 16.1.12, for the first time in 6 years (!) we got a response from the top of SLSA, dictating that we had to answer 13 questions before " accept (ing) your invitation to have the meeting", as we had requested.
Not, "How are you mate? Sorry about our cock-up. When can we sit down and clear the air on this whole unfortunate matter, then move on and give our disabled Australians a better deal when it comes to beach access".
Like to see some of the questions?
1. How many beach wheelchairs have been distributed to SLSC's?
2. Where and when were these chairs distributed?
3. How many new chairs do you anticipate may be available for distribution and where to…in both short and longer terms?
4. Who do you consider "owns" the current and future chairs?
5. Who do you consider is liable for any injury or worse arising from the use of the chairs?
6. Does your organisation have public liability insurance cover for those storing, making available or using the chairs?
7. Who are the manufacturers of the various chairs which seem to exist?
8. Are manufacturers registered or approved by your organisation?
9. Are there any approved national or international design standard/s for the chairs?

HTFWWK (you work it out) most of this, without making us liable for providing any mis-information if we tried to supply it first to an antagonistic party?
Here we have the head of SLSA essentially admitting that they do not have a clue about their own use of beach wheelchairs - for the past 10 or more years, the time they have been in some SLSCs around Australia.
How in Elmer Fudd's name can we have been privy to the inner details of the workings of SLSA who had not responded to our entreaties for 6 years?
So that's where we are now at the time of writing (28.1.12). We are waiting on a number of possible facilitators to get back to us, to first have a 'clearing the air' meeting with SLSA and then to get down to having a good outcome in terms of increased beach access, with some of the 307 SLSCs becoming part of the solution.
We note in today's SMH (28.1.12) 'PM-in-waiting', Tony Abbott, has promised another $10 million to SLSA "to reduce drownings", if they get elected.
SLSA's own insurance broker gave the DSAA, back on 21.12.11, a rough estimate for insuring the re-introduction of beach wheelchairs to SLSCs as being around $50 000.
So money is clearly not the issue.
The individual SLSCs and their members are not the problem - be very clear on this point.
Or is it, when you get down to it, that SLSA, the national body, just cannot be bothered?
If you want any more specific details, just contact me on jimbradley@mac.com
Finally, a big thanks to everyone who put their hand up and helped over the past 4 weeks - and particularly those SLSC members who were outraged enough to come forward.
It will get sorted. It must get sorted. For it to not to happen will once again condone "that people with disabilities living in Australia have the poorest quality of life among people with disabilities anywhere in the developed world. We rank 27th out of the 27 OECD countries." From a report released by PricewaterhouseCoopers, just prior to Xmas, last year.
If you want just a taste of the rubbish the DSAA has had to put up with in recent weeks just click on the icon as attached.
Jim Bradley Hon Nat DSAA Advisor
Foundation Member Gerringong SLSC, Hon National SLSA Surf Survival Certificate Coordinator ('83-'95), just for the record.

Posted:04-02-2012

Posted:21-11-2011

Posted:21-11-2011

Disabled Surfers 2011/12 season - commencing at Jetty Beach, Coffs Harbour - Sunday 30 October, 2011

The Mid North Coast branch of the Disabled Surfers Association will be launching their 5th season at Jetty Beach, Coffs Harbour on Sunday 30 October. Although originally planned for Saturday 29th of October the day had to be shifted due to clashing with other events at the harbour.

This is the branch's first 'Let's Go Surfing' day for this summer, and the call has gone out to all disabled, their carers and volunteers to head down to the Jetty. The numbers of volunteers and disabled participants continue to grow each summer and the branch is once again hoping to maintain that momentum into this summer.

The sole aim of the day is to put some 'smiles on dials' for the disabled participants.

The branch will set up in the vicinity of the Yacht Club at the northern end of the harbour. Sign on for volunteers is 9am, and surfing is from 9.30am to around 12.30pm. A free BBQ lunch will be held at the end of the session and some awards given out. Volunteers are always needed whether experienced or not, and you will be supported by plenty of trained helpers.

Our other dates for this summer are Saturday November 26 - Woolgoolga, Saturday January 7 - Jetty Beach, and Saturday 11 February at Scotts Head.

Keep an eye on the website www.disabledsurfers.org for further information, to check out photos of our previous events or to leave us some feedback. For further information contact Sue Kleidon on 0419 762196, or just turn up and enjoy it!

Posted:21-11-2011

Posted:18-06-2011

The 2010/2011 season of Sunshine Coast DSA - a season of firsts - has come to an end. It was the first season that we've held an event at Maroochydore, the first season that we've run an event without our President Ian Felsinger, and the first season we've had four events. 

Ian's work has taken him away from the coast for a while, and he missed our last two events of the season. We survived without Ian, with our Vice President Tim Byrne stepping up to the role and doing a fantastic job. Ian's presence was, of course, greatly missed. We hope that we have him back next season! 

The four events - one at Currimundi, one at Maroochydore, and two at Noosa - were all fantastic days, with many participant surfers and volunteers enjoying the waves and getting into the spirit of our DSA events. We'll be dropping back to three events per season, but it's good to know that there are some participant surfers who enjoyed four days of surfing over the 2010/2011 season. 

Our first Maroochydore event was a huge success. We didn't have particularly high numbers of volunteers or surfers, but we did have fun waves, beautiful weather and plenty of enthusiasm. The life guards of Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club were instrumental in making the event the success that it was, and could not have been more accommodating, welcoming and helpful. We'll definitely be holding more events at Maroochydore! 

We are currently trying very hard to raise money for a new trailer to store and transport the equipment that we use at every event. We acknowledge and thank the many people that have assisted us in our fundraising. The following people and organisations in particular have been outstanding in the support they have shown us - 

Noosa Combined Clubs for Children's Charity, Neil and Rosalie MacCleod and Tewantin Royal Mail Hotel for weekly raffle, Tim Lovell for his involvement in nominating us as beneficiary of funds raised at the Police/Firies Charity Fight Night and of course our local Police/Firies for the great event for local charities. 

Our dates for 2011/2012 are Saturday 29th October at Currimundi, Saturday 3 December at Maroochydore and Saturday 3 March at Noosa. Everyone - get excited and mark the dates your diary! 

Have a safe and happy off season. We look forward to seeing you at Currimundi in October!

Carmen Ariotti
Secretary DSA Sunshine Coast

Posted:18-06-2011

SOUTH AUSTRALIA BRANCH

G'day surfers,
And what a great day to be one. Water so aqua blue, warm and soooo, very inviting.With Xmas and New year over it was time to catch some waves and get rid of some Xmas pud!
The committee got there early and had everything running smoothly when our crew turned up, but no waves.What or who do we have to sacrifice for waves.The committee thought that sacrificing anything was a bit harsh so we went back to the old school! music!. So with the beach boys blasting out of the club rooms we hit the water and then to our surprise these smooth,clean 1 footers just rollled in, not big but good enough to get to your feet and have some fun. Nice one! With long rides, blue skies, warm water and good freinds, life is sweet.
Even Moana S.L.S.C. helped with some great young volunteers, which is good to see the younger guys and gals helping. It's a great learning experience for them to help our crew.Thanks.
It was also good to see some of the old crew back after missing a few surfs and still carving. Awsome, and with some new crew that S.A. Holiday Explorer's keep bringing out, smiles where abundant. Any holiday plans see these guys at Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.. or ph.8331 2399. A great S.A. organisation.
Well surfed out, the B.B.Q. is always irresistible after a long session! As we all know and a great way to catch up to see what's been happening.
Our Pres. is back with two good knees and rerring to go. He did the presentation and the thanking of everybody and he will probably like to thank his wife for putting up with him after the operation. Those stairs at home would have looked pretty good hey Karin??? (just a little nudge!! no just joking). What a legend.
It was another very enjoyable day and good to see so many smiles that only a surfer knows.
Keep Well and Keep Surfing
Grant

Posted:04-04-2011

"MID NORTH COAST"

A big thank you goes out to those that could make our last surf day of summer yesterday at Scotts Head. As you can probably guess we had some passing showers (!) during the day but still had about 15 surfers show up which was great. They were rewarded with arguably the best surf of the summer.
Anyway, enjoy the pics, (Click Here) there may be a few more coming shortly which I'll forward on to you all.
Thanks for your support, keep an eye on the website for updates about next summer but basically we aim for Coffs Jetty in October, Woolgoolga in November, Jetty again in January, and Scotts in March.

Regards,
Cliff

Posted:08-03-2011

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?

An un-named NSW local council have backed down from charging a branch of the DSA for conducting Hands on Days for the disabled on a local beach. 

The DSA wrote to the council after receiving an invoice for access to the beach and administration costs to waiver the charges and received a reply that the access fee would be waivered, yet the administration charge would remain. 

After talks with the Mayor without success, the DSA placed an official complaint against the council through the Australian Human Rights Commission which shortly had the council backing down with excuses of an administration error from a member of staff who no longer works for council..

It does seem strange that the council's error consisted of two invoices and a statement over a period of four months, those blasted computers always doing the wrong thing by us humans !

Gary Blaschke

National President

Posted:26-01-2011

SOUTH AUSTRALIA BRANCH

Gi,day surfers
Did we have waves or what, 5ft. out the back with dumping 3ft. shories. What a session even the clubbies found it hard in their comp. but after another long surfless winter we where out there with so much enthusiasm and smiles you just had to stop, look and say to your self, this is going to be a fun day. The skill, confidence and enjoyment that we all have with each other is very unique. Thank you all. Especially the volunteers,in those conditions you were awesome.

Pumping that's all I can say. The old crew took it on and soon had it wired. Matt's first wave was large and dark,with a late takeoff, up and riding with a nice bottom turn that any surfer would be proud to have done. Nathan in the aqua chair then on the board was taking on some off the biggest waves and was having a great time and came back for another session.Then there where the new crew, a bit hesitant for starters but relaxed and chilled out after catching a few waves and feeling a lot safer with our friendly volunteers and the ocean. Talking about the ocean,she dished out some good wipeouts one I remember, over the falls,nose dive,flips over, spins under water twice comes up holding onto the board with a laugh and a smile. no fear!!!! nice one Julie.

So by the time every one had a couple of sessions, the hot showers, barbie and presentation were the only way to go and were thoroughly enjoyed . The barbie was cooked to perfection, as usual. Our pres. couldn't make it so our man Sam did the formalities with the trophies, key rings (thank v.p.) goodie bags and thanking everyone. Good job for a first timer. Then the raffle we had was huge, thank you sponsors.
Well another surfing day with good waves and good friends, done and dusted, everyone left a winner and winners are grinners for the experience and the goodtime that just blend in nicely with surfing. 

What more could you ask for.
Except that our next surfing days are on the Sun. 27th Feb. and Sun. 3rd April 1pm at Moana. 

SEE YOU THERE.

For more info call Kim Richardson 0413 027 326
Grant & Sandy Faint Home 08 8555 4172
Mobile 0432 834 159
0434 911 268

To all our members and volunteers effected by the floods around the country at the moment, our hearts and thoughts are with you all.

Keep well, surf well
Grant (v.p.)

Posted:20-01-2011

"RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS"

Please Note: Program times should be checked for local content time as they may have variations of 30 mins in individual states.

More Information: Contact our National Secretary jim@disabledsurfers.org

Posted:17-01-2011

DISABLED SURFERS TAKE ON THE WAVES
By Rachel Pupazzoni (ABC News)

Disabled surfer Bruce Peel on his wheelchair about to head out for a surf (DSAWA)
For many people living with a disability, freedom of movement can be out of reach but thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers, surfing is something they are able to do.

The Disabled Surfers Association, which began in 1986 in New South Wales, is bridging the gap between disabled and able body surfers.

It provides people with a disability the chance to go to the beach, feel the sand and surf the waves.

For some, it's the only time they get to experience what so many of us take for granted.

The West Australian branch president Bruce Peel, who is an amputee himself, says he first got involved with the organisation as a participant five years ago.

"It's one of the best things I've been involved with," he said.

He says it gives people with a disability a sense of freedom.

"Actually getting out onto the sand, which, speaking from experience being in a wheelchair myself, it's a hell of a kick being able to get across the sand in your chair and not having to be pushed along by someone else or carried.

"It just gives you back independence and freedom as well."

DSAWA puts beach matting across the sand which enables participants in wheelchairs to take their own chairs onto the beach.

Participation

Despite having cerebral palsy and being blind in one eye, Stacee Parkinson often takes part as a volunteer as well as participating.

"I wanted to give others a bit more of a go," she said.

"That's why I like being a volunteer because there are people there who have never been able to surf in their life.

"I thought that being a volunteer would be better for me to give them an opportunity to have a bit more of a go than someone a bit more able bodied like myself."

Ms Parkinson, who has been involved with DSAWA for three years, says the organisation gives people opportunities they would never normally have.

"It gives people a chance to come out of their restricted life and gives them a chance to experience water, something they would otherwise not be able to experience," she said.

"Most of these people are with carers 24/7. The DSAWA gives them a beautiful opportunity to actually go out and experience the surf."

Mr Peel says while the point of the organisation is to benefit the participants, the volunteers walk away feeling good too.

"I think the volunteers get more of a kick out of it than some of the participants," she said.

"We've got people down there who might have cerebral palsy and a few other disabilities as well, it's not just one, and they can't communicate but you can see through their eyes the sheer pleasure they're having."

Access

While DSAWA has its own matting for access for people in wheelchairs, there are moves to make beaches more accessible more often to people with a disability.

The government is offering grants to local governments to establish better beach access for people with disabilities at their local beaches.

The Disability Services Commission's acting director general Robyn Massey says some beaches in Perth are using mats and providing beach friendly wheelchairs during summer.

"There's a few particularly along the coast; there's Rockingham, Cottesloe, Cockburn, I know up at Hilary's. It's happening and it's actually available in a few beaches and communities," she said.

Ms Massey has also thrown her support behind DSAWA.

"The beach is so much of the Aussie culture and it's so great that people with a disability can get out there and get to the beach and have fun like everyone else does," she said.

DSAWA, which has now spread throughout Australia and New Zealand, is funded entirely by donations and sponsorship, and offers its surfing days for free.

Article from ABC News - Updated Fri Jan 7, 2011 2:52pm AEDT

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/01/07/3108472.htm 

Posted:08-01-2011

WORLDS LARGEST SURFING EVENT

FOR PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY

(Last year - 175 Participants & 300 Volunteers)

The Event was Hosted by the

DSAA SYDNEY BRANCH 

@ Collaroy Beach

(Birth Place of the DSAA)

2011 will Celebrate 25 Years

of Enabling People with a Disability

the Opportunity of a Safe Surfing Experience.

Special Note:

Attending: Collaroy, Saturday 26th February, 2011

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!

ALL GROUP HOMES... A LIMIT OF 10 PARTICIPANTS MAXIMUM, (PLUS CARERS) HAS BEEN PLACED ON ALL GROUPS WISHING TO PARTICIPATE ON THE HANDS ON DAY @ COLLAROY.

This is for safety reasons and to give individuals with a disability the opportunity to experience the thrill of surfing.

"EVERYONE PARTICIPATING MUST CONFIRM BY BOOKING"

"Bookings & Volunteers:

e-mail: - sydney@disabledsurfers.org  

Phone:- Adrian on 0408 486 010 or Gary on 0424 890 455

Pictures of Previous Events:- Click Here

Posted:04-01-2011

Make a Donation and Help Support the DSA

Direct Bank Deposits:

Disabled Surfers Association of Australia Inc.

 

BSB: 06 2256
Account No.06 2256 10340413

or

Cheques or Money Orders:

 

Mailed to:

PO Box 345

THE ENTRANCE NSW 2261

Made Payable to:

Disabled Surfers Association of Australia Inc.

Thank you...
Gary Blaschke OAM
DSAA Founder and National President.

Posted:01-01-2011

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