MEDIA RELEASE
26th August 2024
The Making Waves Foundation is thrilled to announce the successful completion of the Mackay Port phase of our Northern Campaign. Our volunteers and program yacht ‘Kayle’ welcomed 157 passengers, including 3 wheelchairs for eleven Winds of Joy sails from Mackay Marina Village. Making Waves Foundation engaged five schools and one disability group.
Notable Visits:
We were honoured to have the Mayor of Mackay, Councillor Greg Williamson, and Councillor Ash Lee Johnson join us at the dock. Their presence and support underscored the importance of our initiative within the community.
It’s a wonderful program, we’re so appreciative of what you volunteers do and for bringing it to Mackay.”
Cnr Greg Williamson, Mayor of Mackay
Testimonials:
• 15-Aug-24 Mackay District Special School: Despite high needs and challenges in communication, feedback from Tanya highlighted the program’s impact: “The program gives the children an opportunity that they would normally never have.”
• 16-Aug-24 Catherine McAuley College: Georgia described her experience: “It was fantastic (yes spelt like that), My favourite thing was pancaking.” Helen appreciated the joy it brought to the students: “The best part was seeing the students’ faces, one student who complains all the time never said anything negative for once.”
• 20-Aug-24 Pioneer State High School: Aliza, a Year 8 student, shared her excitement: “This is the funnest day of my life!”
• 21-Aug-24 Engedi INC: A carer noted the impact on a student: “He does sailability but that’s just in the harbor. Out here in a big boat, it’s wilder and bigger, and he can feel the force of the wind and waves. He’s out of his comfort zone but in safe hands.”
• 22-Aug-24 Glenella State School Mackay: A student aged 11 exclaimed: “I love steering the boat! I’m a natural!” Jennifer reflected on the program’s value: “With their autism and so on, these kids have so few opportunities to do anything as exciting as this. The movement, the sensory stimulation, the adventure, and the whales! It’s been so good.”
Next Stop: Townsville – Programs Starting Today (Monday the 26th of August)
Over the next week, we’ll be engaging with several local schools and disability organisations to bring our impactful programs to the community.
To keep the momentum going, we’re running a raffle to help fund our campaign as we continue northward. Every ticket sold helps us reach more communities and offer life-changing sailing experiences.
Click the link below to Support the Northern Campaign 2024 for Making Waves to continue to offer free sailing program for youth in need: The 2024 Northern Campaign – Making Waves