Sharing the ocean

Disabled Surfers Association of Australia Inc Central Coast
Tireless. Dedicated. Awesome.

Pauline Maniskas is passionate about helping people with disabilities enjoy surfing.

She is volunteer secretary of the Central Coast branch of the Disabled Surfers Association and has dedicated the past 15 years to helping people experience the restorative effect of the ocean.

Pauline is a whirlwind. She helps organise surfing events, sources donations and visits schools to speak about the value of being inclusive.

She also raises awareness of surfing among disability providers.

Pauline is the first contact for families interested in surfing and gives them the confidence to come along and enjoy the events.

“My passion is to nurture a sense of inclusion and belonging for those less able in the community and provide a safe and happy environment for participation in our surfing events,” she says.

“This has a far-reaching benefit in the community, raising awareness of those less able and encouraging other organisations to facilitate a more inclusive environment.”

Not even breast cancer could keep Pauline away from her volunteering.

In fact, her regular swims in the ocean to counter the side effects of treatment made her more determined to help.

“I need to share the restorative effect of the ocean with as many people with disabilities as possible,” she says.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. The Disabled Surfers Association of Australia Central Coast will buy a beach wheelchair and other equipment such as rash shirts and surf boards.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here