MAKING WAVES FOUNDATION: TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH SAILING

For 30 years, the Making Waves Foundation (MWF) has been a beacon of hope for young people with disabilities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds across Melbourne, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, and Brisbane.

Over 60,000 youths have experienced life-changing sailing adventures thanks to MWF’s programs, which are run by approximately 300 skilled volunteers. These volunteers come from diverse backgrounds, including sailors, non-sailors, grandparents, youth workers, doctors, teachers, disability workers, mentors and retirees.

MWF’s impact extends to the prestigious Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, where it has been represented 21 times. In 2023, the Sydney program yacht ‘Kayle’, a custom-built ocean racing yacht, finished 4th in the PHS division of the race. Looking ahead, ‘Kayle’ is set to compete in the 2024 S2H with a crew comprised of at least 50 per cent individuals with disabilities.

The foundation’s mission is to provide inclusive and unique sailing experiences that challenge and support young people with disabilities or those experiencing disadvantage, promoting personal growth and potential. Furthermore, MWF aims to increase community awareness and understanding of people with disabilities and those facing social challenges.

MWF offers five core programs: Winds of Joy

This program provides a two-hour sailing experience, offered in the mornings and afternoons during school terms.

Winds of Change

This seven-to-eight-week termbased program allows the same students to attend one day per week, using sailing as a tool for personal growth. Students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and actively participate in running the boat.

Winds of Care

This two-hour sailing experience, available on weekends, is tailored for carers.

Wright of Passage

A dockside program for young people disengaged from school, offering boat building, repairs and other maritime activities. This program, running for six years in Sydney and launching in Geelong in Term 3, 2024, aims to launch in Newcastle by early 2025.

Twilight Racing

Participants have the opportunity to join local clubs’ Twilight Fleet on an MWF yacht.

MWF’s programs are conducted on large ocean racing yachts, accommodating up to 15 participants and up to four wheelchairs, depending on the yacht and port. These programs integrate various aspects of the school curriculum, including maths through basic navigation and environmental studies, while enhancing communication and community engagement skills through mentorship from volunteer crew members.

The Wright of Passage (WoP) program, which involves participants joining for two days per school week for up to one year, has successfully kept many students in school and facilitated their transition to trades, employment, or further education. The program aims to develop clear pathways to employment for disadvantaged youth, building their confidence and abilities to enter the workforce. Notable success stories include students Lincoln and James, who have progressed to trades or relevant industries.

The WoP program offers early intervention for at-risk youth, social support and mentoring outside the classroom, effective diversion from the justice system, an alternative to traditional schooling for disengaged students, and strong partnerships with educational organisations. It aims to build confidence and skills that help young people find employment, not just in the maritime industry, by providing work experience on special projects and through early intervention.

MWF’s General Manager, Gareth Hogan, emphasises the foundation’s pride in its impactful programs. Despite being a small organisation, MWF has big ambitions and a heartfelt dedication. Their goal is to expand their reach to 10,000 participants by 2026, requiring more volunteers and donors to join their cause. MWF acknowledges the generosity and support of volunteers and partners, which enable them to extend these programs to children with disabilities and at-risk youth, bringing the joy of sailing to young people who may otherwise never experience boarding a yacht.

MWF continues to seek ongoing maritime partners to help forge career pathways for participants of the Wright of Passage program. For more information, case studies, and their annual report, visit makingwaves.au or call 0421 725 170.