Tamara has lived with her family since she was 9 years old as she was placed in care prior to that by her birth parents. For all her life she has been provided experiences to try new things. Tamara with her family and friends has been pivotal in local advocacy campaigns in the past to develop a more inclusive City of Whittlesea. Founders Karen and Terry have been family friends for years and have supported Tamara to enjoy many opportunities to be access activities and events.
Therefore, Karen had a dream for Tamara to enjoy an Accessible Beach and floating in the ocean experience. Through research the St Kilda accessible beach also provided access to a changing places which would be required to support Tamara be access the right care and support.
On 1 March 2026 Tamara and a special group of volunteers and a support staff made this dream experience a reality. Not only using the Mobi-chair to access the ocean but to utilise the motorised beach chair to be supported to be on the beach with others. Tamara’s smiles, laughter and giggles ensured everyone knew she was enjoying the experiences.
Tamara received a certificate of achievement and a lanyard to demonstrate her stardom status.
Volunteers and a staff member came together to make this a successful experience. The St Kilda Lifesaving team were very supportive and hopeful to see more of these events in the future.
Project
Tamara’s Accessible Beach Experience
Dreamer
Tamara
What We Did
Tamara was able to achieve her dream of floating in the ocean thanks to the support of the Foundation, City of Port Phillip, and the St Kilda Life Saving Club.
