After nearly five years of hard work and collaboration between community groups, the South West Rocks Back Creek access ramp has proven to be a summer holiday hit with locals.
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The simple stretch of cement is a blessing for locals living with a disability who were unable to access and enjoy the popular swimming spot.
The ramp, which was a joint venture between the South West Rocks Lions Club, Kempsey Shire Council and the State Government, was opened on December 18, 2017 and many residents had praises to sing.
“As a disabled person with senior dogs I can’t wait. Thanks so much SWR Lions,” one commenter said on a social media post.
Margaret Harrison, a wheelchair bound local who was the first person to use the ramp commented: “Thank you to all your members for making this happen.”
The ramp project was initially proposed by Lions Club member Bill Gaynor who said he had received numerous requests from people for a way to access Back Creek that did not involve clambering over the large rocks of the break wall. The project was abandoned after two years because of cost issues.
The project was then revived in 2014 by president Paul Dickinson who was able to secure finance and a contractor willing to take on the construction. The project was adopted as a Centennial Project for the Lions.
The State Government provided assistance through a Community Building Partnerships grant while Kempsey Shire Council provided the engineering drawings and support with equipment and materials. Construction of the ramp was carried out by Doug Taylor of South West Rocks.
The ramp provides wheelchair access to the creek which is a popular swimming spot for families with very young children, people with disabilities and anyone not confident swimming on the main beaches.
Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey, Kempsey Shire Council mayor Liz Campbell and members of the Lions Club attended the ramp’s official opening back in December.
“I was thrilled to attend the opening of this fantastic local project - the Lions Clubs Disabled Access Ramp at South West Rocks. Thanks to everyone who helped make this happen. It’s a welcome addition for both visitors and community members – and just in time for people to beat the heat! The NSW Government is super proud to be helping out the South West Rocks Lions Club, a stellar local group who are always working hard to improve our facilities,” Ms Pavey said in a post on social media.
