A lesion on her spinal cord left Georgia Richmond in a wheelchair 12 years ago, but a trip to Alaska gave her the idea that will now get people of all abilities onto the water at Hopkins River.
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Six years ago Ms Richmond went on a small boat cruise where she was able to kayak in Glacier Bay - a special gantry and hoist would lower her down from the boat into the kayak.
"Every day we'd go kayaking," she said.
Ms Richmond loved it so much she returned to Alaska to relive the experience twice more.
"Three separate trips I've been over there just to do this," she said.
So she thought, why not get one in Warrnambool. Ms Richmond researched it, began lobbying councillor Sue Cassidy and after two years the city council has just finished installing one at the floating pontoon.
"I'm very pleased," she said. "We've got this beautiful river here. It's underutilised."
Now all she needs is a break in the weather so she get out on the water in her own double kayak.
"I got a lesion on my spinal cord in 2007. I was pretty active before that and loved fishing and I love water," Ms Richmond said.
The $30,000 project was funded by the state government and the council.
Council service manager of community support Maree Wyse said work was done on a double pontoon and the boat ramp to make sure it was secure and stable and additional railing was installed.
"There's certainly plenty of room for all sorts of sized boats," she said.
"We're hoping there will be older fishermen who are no longer able to get onto the river might who be able to use this facility.
"We know that the Warrnambool Special Development School has a sail-ability program and they use this part of the river.
"They were saying that it will mean for some of their students who normally don't get into the water, because it's too hard to get them out, they'll now be able to take part. It's really terrific."
Ms Wyse said there were few hoists like it in Victoria and it may be the only one of its kind in this part of the state.
Those wanting to use it need to first do some training, but they will then be given a key to access the facilities.
For access, contact the Warrnambool council.
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