Make Australian Beaches Accessible

CHAT SESSION 101 with Vivian and Ben Jankovski

Topic- Safety Beach Victoria Australia urgently needs a wheelchair ramp

Monday 31st March 2025 1pm https://rppfm.com.au

Podcast 🎧 https://megaphone.link/LCRUI4617920612

In 2017, an unexpected turn of events led to a tragic car accident involving Vivian’s three kids, profoundly impacting their lives and the family's dynamics. Their eldest son, Ben, was left in critical condition following the accident, necessitating immediate medical attention and intensive care. The family faced an incredibly challenging time as they navigated the uncertainty of his health, relying on doctors and support systems while dealing with the emotional toll of the situation.

Ben’s injury at C7 and resulting paralysis from the chest down significantly impacted his mobility and daily life, requiring him to adapt to using a wheelchair. With appropriate rehabilitation, support, and assistive technologies, Ben has led a fulfilling life, pursuing activities he enjoys and finding ways to overcome challenges.

Vivian, Ben, and their family are sharing their story to raise awareness about the importance of making beach time enjoyable and accessible for individuals of all abilities, emphasizing the need for inclusive facilities that enable everyone to experience the joy of the beach. By highlighting their journey, they hope to inspire others to consider accessibility in recreational spaces and advocate for changes that ensure beach activities can be enjoyed by all, regardless of their physical challenges.

For over 40 years, Vivian and her family have cherished their holidays at Safety Beach, creating countless memories as her children grew up spending endless summer days and school holidays immersed in the vibrant lifestyle of the Mornington Peninsula. Their deep-rooted connection to this beloved destination has instilled a strong appreciation for the beach and its significance in their family's traditions, making their advocacy for accessibility even more meaningful.

Ben was 16 when he experienced the car accident that changed his mobility, and while Vivian was once able to easily lift him and take him down to the beach, as he grew older and heavier, this became increasingly difficult for her. This challenge highlighted the importance of accessible beach facilities, motivating the family to advocate for improvements that would allow everyone, regardless of physical ability, to enjoy the water and sand without added barriers.

In 2021, motivated by the challenges faced as Ben grew heavier and the desire for greater accessibility, Vivian began discussions with the Mornington Peninsula Council to advocate for the installation of a ramp at Safety Beach, specifically located opposite the pedestrian crossing at Victoria Street. Her initiative aimed to enhance access for individuals with mobility issues, ensuring that everyone in the community could enjoy the beach experience safely and comfortably.

During her advocacy for the ramp at Safety Beach, Vivian primarily communicated with Virginia, a disability officer. This focused dialogue allowed Vivian to directly address the specific needs and concerns related to accessibility for individuals with disabilities, ensuring her proposals were informed by expert insights and aimed at creating meaningful change in the community.

Vivian eventually received confirmation from the Mornington Peninsula Council that a budget had been approved for the construction of the ramp at Safety Beach, with plans set to move forward in 2023/2024 timeframe. This decision marked a significant achievement in her advocacy efforts, promising enhanced accessibility for the community and a more inclusive environment for beachgoers.

In the summer of 2024, when Vivian and her supporters eagerly returned to Safety Beach, they were disheartened to find that the promised ramp had not been constructed. This lack of progress was a frustrating setback, raising concerns about accountability and the implementation of vital accessibility projects that were meant to benefit the community.

Vivian reached out to the council once more, now speaking with Monica, who had taken over from Virginia. Despite her attempts to uncover the reasons for the delay in the ramp's construction, all she received were vague apologies and a lack of concrete explanations, leaving her feeling frustrated and uncertain about the future of the project.

After her conversation with Monica, Vivian contacted Tanasi from the delivery team, who provided her with some clarity: the plans for the ramp were indeed finalized, but the designated site was deemed unstable, necessitating a re-evaluation of the project. This revelation meant that the ramp was not just delayed but would require a return to the planning stages, prolonging the wait for much-needed access to the beach.

After raising her concerns and rallying community support through her petition, Vivian learned that Tanasi had scheduled a meeting the following week with all department heads regarding the ramp's delivery. Since their last communication, the council had surprisingly declared the previously unstable site as stable, suggesting that her advocacy might have prompted a re-evaluation of the situation.

The proposed ramp site is located at the stairs opposite Victoria Street, adjacent to the boat ramp parking area, a location that has become increasingly hazardous due to the chaotic Jet Ski activity showcased in social media videos and news reports. Concerned for the safety of the future ramp users, Vivian is actively working to delay the construction, advocating for a reassessment to identify a safer alternative that would allow for safe beach access without the risks present in this chaotic environment.

Find out more and support this CAMPAIGN

Safety Beach Victoria Australia urgently needs a wheelchair ramp 

Make Australian Beaches Accessible

In the meantime, while Vivian is on a mission waiting for the ramp site location to be confirmed and constructed her son Ben may be in a wheelchair, but he is falling in love with footy all over again through wheelchair football. The sport has provided new opportunities for Ben, allowing him to participate actively and connect with teammates who share his passion. As he navigates the court with speed and skill, the adrenaline rush and team spirit reignite his excitement for the game, proving that his love for footy is as strong as ever, transcending any physical limitations.

For Ben Jankovski, playing for Collingwood in the Victorian Wheelchair Football League may not have been the dream he envisioned as a child, but it has transformed his life in incredible ways. As the club's wheelchair captain, he not only finds joy in competing but also serves as an inspiring role model, helping to change attitudes around disability in sports. Wheelchair football has created a sense of community, empowerment, and inclusion for athletes like Ben, demonstrating that passion for the game knows no physical barriers and fostering a greater understanding of the capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Recently, “Future Victoria," shone a spotlight on 5 remarkable young Victorians under the age of 25 who are redefining success across various fields, including science, technology, sports, arts, and even space exploration. Ben Jankovski was selected as one of the inspiring individuals who stands out not only for his achievements but also for his relentless pursuit in reaching his goals. His vision is to encourage others to dream big and work hard through their innovative projects, athletic accomplishments, and creative expressions, exemplifying the spirit of resilience and ambition, motivating future generations to reach for the stars and make a meaningful impact on the world.

Follow Ben Jankovski on Instagram and be inspired by his ongoing dedication in pursuit of his career and happiness at Collingwood Football Club

Listen to chat session 101 with Vivian and Ben Jankovski

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'The Daily Mirror' acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders, past and present.