by Luke Voogt
A new accessible platform at Geelong Canoe Club will help even more rowers feel the joy of “human-powered” boating, according to project officer Stephen Parker.
“It’s a feeling of freedom, independence and a connection with nature,” he told the Indy.
“I think those feelings are what we want everyone to experience.”
The 300-member club recently received a $76,000 council grant to replace its launch platform with a new all-abilities version.
The club’s upper-body-based sports, including canoeing, kayaking and dragon boating, had attracted many members with reduced mobility, Steve said.
“But the major challenge is getting people into the water.”
The project would be “critical” for the club’s members and rowers from the general public with reduced mobility, Steve explained.
“It will make their ability to use the river equal to anybody’s,” he said.
“The key thing about this is it’s accessible for the public to use – it just happens to be near our club for obvious reasons.”
The club recently underwent renovations to make various facilities including toilets and change rooms more accessible, Steve said.
“This completes the picture for the club in this space.”
Brownbill ward councillor Peter Murrihy said the new platform would have “physical and social benefits” by helping introduce more people to paddle sports.
“Geelong Canoe Club does a great job welcoming participants of all ages and abilities.”
A total of 30 clubs and groups across Geelong shared in about $3 million for infrastructure projects, with six receiving maximum grants of $350,000.
