Michael Lord is helping keep swimmers safe at Flynn’s Beach in Port Macquarie, New South Wales, by serving as a volunteer surf lifesaver from his all-terrain wheelchair. As of February 2026, Mr Lord has spent two years with the Port Macquarie Surf Life Saving Club, where he uses his skills to watch the water and manage communications.
He performs vital roles such as operating radios, spotting dangerous rips, and setting up beach flags to guide the public. To prepare for the job, Mr Lord earned a radio operator’s certificate and a first aid certificate, completing his CPR training with the help of fellow volunteers.
His ability to patrol on the sand was made possible by a specialised four-wheel-drive wheelchair delivered in December 2025. This equipment was funded through the NDIS with support from the local club, the council, and community leaders.
Mr Lord recently took part in local inclusion events, including a Pride Paddle Out held on 14 February, 2026. Melinda Cockshutt, the director of lifesaving at the club, said Mr Lord has become an invaluable member of the team since he first joined in 2024.
After being diagnosed with a neurological condition in 2016, Mr Lord said volunteering gives him a sense of purpose and supports his mental health. He encourages other people living with disabilities to look for ways to help out in their own communities.
