Cottage launches new Riptide facility 

Claire Higgins, Chancellor of Deakin University, opened the event. “In 2020, Deakin University formalised a partnership with Cottage by the Sea. Our groundbreaking ‘Ripples to Waves’ study published in 2024 tracked the effects of Cottage programs across decades. The evidence in that report reveals profound transformation. Children develop confidence, belonging and a healthier mindset. But more than that, they discover possibility,” said Mrs Higgins.

“Deakin is proud to support Cottage by the Sea’s evolving programs and spaces, which align with our mission of equity and accessibility. Our School of Architecture and Built Environment contributed to the main building’s refurbishment and students worked on early proposals for Riptide’s redesign, interacting with clients and stakeholders, and engaging First Nations perspectives and ecological design principles,” said Mrs Higgins.

The Riptide project team included Plan Group Geelong as builders, supported by SPL Architects and renowned local prestige builder David McDonald, who oversaw the entire build and landscaping project as Cottage’s pro-bono Project Manager.

“Hand on heart, I believe Riptide is the best facility of its kind in the country, serving children from vulnerable backgrounds. This remarkable building wouldn’t be here today without the donors who have contributed to the full funding, especially Boutique Homes (ABN Group). Boutique Homes is also building a second charity home to auction, with all proceeds going to finalise the build costs of this new facility,” said Adam Wake, Cottage by the Sea CEO.

Riptide was originally the Riptide Motel, where singer-songwriter Vance Joy holidayed at as a child. His time at Riptide inspired the name of his 2013 hit “Riptide”. In 2022, Vance Joy collaborated with sustainable lifestyle brand Fair Harbor to design a limited-collection swimwear range and donated more than $55,000 of the proceeds from the collection to Cottage.

Vance Joy was unable to attend the event but sent a congratulatory video that included this message: “Congratulations on completing the Riptide building for children experiencing vulnerability. The word 'Riptide', the song that I wrote about it and the place – the beach, the whole area – is very special to me. I wish I could have been there to celebrate. Keep up the great work and hopefully I'll see you down there soon,” said Vance Joy.

"Many of the children who walk through these doors each year will arrive carrying burdens that no child should, but they will leave with confidence, belonging and memories of a place where they mattered. We cannot know who will become the teacher, the nurse, the leader or parent who transforms others’ lives, but we know we will have given them a chance, and sometimes that’s all that stands between struggle and possibility … We know we’re not just opening the building; we’re opening the future for thousands of children," said Mrs Higgins.

Cottage purchased the Riptide building in 2006 and from 2020-23, Riptide was used as a respite facility for families in need of a seaside holiday. Riptide’s respite program will continue in 2026. Click here for more information about Riptide.