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Newcastle still Making Waves for people with a disability

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The Making Waves Foundation (MWF) launched its sail-based programs permanently in Newcastle on Thursday.

And, fittingly, it coincided with International Day for Persons with a Disability.

The initiative will give more than 1,000 Newcastle and Hunter students, and people living with disability and disadvantage, access to exhilarating educational and life-broadening challenges on board an ocean racing yacht, every year.

One of those heavily-involved in the venture is Tony Purkiss, a well-known Newcastle identity.

A businessman, a sailor, a volunteer and an amazing advocate for Making Waves Foundation, he lost his sight in the 2005 Bali bombing.

However, through his involvement with the organisation, he has gone on to help so many more people living with disability.

Mr Purkiss and his wife May-Anne have been volunteering with MWF for more than 15 years.

He said sharing the joy of the water in a specially-adapted ocean racing yacht for people with disability had been immensely rewarding.

Making Waves has visited Newcastle for one week every year since the early 2000s, having previously been limited to taking just 50-100 children sailing on an annual basis.

And, the impacts of the MWF programs on students have been immeasurable, according to the head teacher of the Support Unit at Newcastle High School, Khym Harris.

“They are so much more resilient and willing to take a risk,” she said.

“They become little problem solvers instead of problem makers.

“They start to solution seek.

“We can’t wait to share this program with so many more of our students now that Making Waves has come to Newcastle on a permanent basis.”

Making Waves Foundation launched its sail-based programs permanently in Newcastle on Thursday. Photo: Peter Stoop

Making Waves Foundation has taken more than 50,000 disabled and disadvantaged young people sailing over the past 27 years.

Their lives and outlook for the future change through these experiences.

But, establishing Making Waves in the Hunter would not be possible without the significant financial support of a Newcastle-based private benefactor and local businesses.

One of these is Port Waratah Coal Services.

CEO Hennie du Plooy said the MWF initiative addressed an increasing area of need within the community.

“Access to programs that challenge barriers, encourages and builds confidence in young people living with a disability or disadvantage can change lives and improve inclusion outcomes in our community,” he explained.

This year’s International Day for People with a Disability theme highlights the challenges, barriers and opportunities for people who live with disabilities, in the context of a global pandemic.

“Making Waves Foundation addresses this theme perfectly,” Ms Harris said.

“The program breaks down accessibility barriers and provides experiences and opportunities that otherwise are closed to people living with disabilities.

“MWF is not merely a good thing; it is essential.

“It needs to be bottled.”

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