It was high-fives all round as the Great South Coast branch of Disabled Surfers Australia hosted its first event on Saturday.
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It is what community, commitment and diversity looks like.
- Justin Houlihan
Branch president Justin Houlihan said the day was a huge success with 58 volunteers and 15 participants taking part.
“There were plenty of smiles and high-fives happening and the sunny weather helped as well. It was great to see so much support for the event and from a diverse range of abilities, ages and water experience from both the helpers and participants,” he said. “It is what community, commitment and diversity looks like.”
The newly-formed Great South Coast branch is the third Victorian Disabled Surfers Association of Australia branch. Using trained volunteers, the organisation aims to allow people of all abilities to get in the water and experience the thrill of surfing. Mr Houlihan said the focus was now on building the branch’s independence and fund-raise for its own equipment before holding two more events next summer.
“We’ll again call for both helpers and participants again next summer and the events can only grow from here,” he said.