CQU Physiotherapy students support Cairns’ All Abilities Nippers program

By Greg Chapman

A unique CQUniversity and Cairns Surf Life Saving Club partnership has helped youngsters of all ages and abilities hit the surf as aspiring Nippers – and provided Physiotherapy students with valuable experience.

The inaugural All Abilities Nippers program was held at Palm Cove recently, allowing children to develop surf awareness, water safety skills, confidence and a lifelong love of the beach.

CQU Physiotherapy Lecturer Dr James Czencz said the program involved first and third year physiotherapy students who volunteered their time to work alongside local surf lifesavers to ensure every child could participate. 

Cairns Surf Life Saving Club proudly hosted our first-ever All Abilities Nippers program at Palm Cove - a milestone that I'm incredibly proud to have been part of.

“Through this grassroots community initiative, CQU supported participant memberships, providing uniforms and adaptive equipment, including custom rescue boards with additional safety straps,” he said.

Three youngsters attended the event, including one who attended with his younger brother—a wonderful reminder that inclusion is about bringing families together, not creating separate experiences.

The children enjoyed beach games, warm-up sprints, swimming and catching waves on the rescue boards.

One parent welcomed the initiative and the opportunity for the children to participate.

"There are so few programs in the community where Rowan can do something alongside other kids his age," they said.

He said three physiotherapy students, who were very eager to be involved, gained invaluable experience in inclusive practice and participation-focused care.

“It was a powerful reminder that great rehabilitation and inclusion starts with participation first. The focus wasn't on disability or impairment - it was on fun, confidence, friendships, movement and belonging,” he said.

“For me personally, this was a special day. As a Club Captain, Physiotherapist and Lecturer, it was incredibly rewarding to see these three passions come together in a way that genuinely benefits our community.”

Dr Czencz thanked Cairns Surf Life Saving Club the student volunteers, families, and the children for being the trailblazers of the program.

“This is what community partnerships should look like - working together to remove barriers, create opportunities and ensure everyone has the chance to experience the beach, build confidence and make lifelong memories,” he said.

The trial program will run over three sessions, with the potential to extend before launching a full All Abilities Nippers program alongside the Club’s regular Nippers season next year.