TasPorts supports access and inclusion through our Community Grant Program, fostering initiatives that empower individuals, build confidence, and create opportunities for all Tasmanians.
Posted
03 February 2025
One such initiative is the Making Waves Foundation’s Winds of Joy program, which provides transformative on-water experiences for young people living with a disability and disadvantaged youth. The Winds of Joy program offers a unique opportunity for participants to step outside their everyday environments and experience the thrill of sailing on high-performance yachts, specially modified for accessibility. These experiences not only provide a unique opportunity for young people, but also foster personal growth, helping participants develop confidence, communication skills, and a sense of achievement.
Scheduled to run in Hobart in February 2025, the program will deliver ten sails, engaging over 150 students from local schools, particularly those with support units or students living with disabilities. Each session is designed to provide a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment, enabling participants to explore new horizons.
TasPorts’ support for initiatives like Winds of Joy reflects our commitment to operating in a socially responsible manner and fostering sustainable social growth for Tasmania. By enabling young people to access these experiences, we are helping to create a more inclusive community where everyone can participate and thrive.
Participants work alongside skilled volunteer sailors, gaining hands-on experience in sailing, teamwork, and an understanding of the natural environment. The yachts are designed with inclusive access, equipped to accommodate wheelchair users, ensuring full participation regardless of physical ability. Teachers and caregivers frequently observe transformative impacts, noting that participants demonstrate improved confidence, enhanced communication skills, and a greater sense of calm following their on-water experiences.
For many participants, this is their first time experiencing the freedom and adventure of being on the water. The program helps to break down barriers, offering a safe space where young people can challenge themselves, build new skills, and form meaningful connections with others. The calming effect of the water often has a profound impact, particularly for those with sensory processing challenges or heightened emotions. Participants frequently leave the program with a renewed sense of confidence and accomplishment, having discovered abilities they didn’t know they had.
TasPorts’ support for the Winds of Joy program exemplifies our broader commitment to sustainable social growth for Tasmania. By investing in initiatives that empower young people and foster inclusion, we are contributing to a stronger, more connected community. Round 8 of TasPorts Community Grant Program is now open for projects occurring between April and September 2025