Opening the beach to all

*Mullaloo Surf Life Saving Club *
Passionate. Energetic. Talented.

Surf lifesaver Dara Mills hated watching people arrive at Mullaloo beach only to find they couldn’t cross the sand because of their disabilities. So she started campaigning for a beach access mat to be installed.

This meant gaining the support of other Mullaloo Surf Life Saving Club members, raising funds and gaining permission to install the mat. It took four years to become a reality.

Her efforts became a rallying point for many club members, who now share her passion for inclusion.

Dara says most people take it for granted that they can go to the beach if they want to, but she wants everyone in the community to enjoy this ability.

Not only does Dara play an active role in our patrolling the beaches and training other lifesavers, she’s also a competitor in surf lifesaving and surf boats.

Yet she finds time to champion other initiatives.

She organises beach days for a local organisation that helps dads with limited access to engage with their kids.

Dara was also instrumental in introducing additional water safety measures to Nippers so a child with autism could participate.

“Being a member of the Mullaloo Surf Life Saving Club is an honour,” Dara 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 Mullaloo Surf Life Saving Club will use its grant to extend the beach access pathway and buy a floatable beach wheelchair.

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