Rowing WA has launched a program to promote the benefits of higher education to young people from the Armadale region - while leveraging its links with the business sector to promote employment pathways with potential employers.
With support from the McGowan Government's Targeted Participation Program, Making Waves aims to attract up to 800 young people into the program each year - expanding its reach from a smaller pilot project which began in 2018.
Based at WA's premier rowing venue Champion Lakes, Making Waves will work in conjunction with local schools to engage students in the sport.
Rowing WA will utilise its relationships with tertiary institutions and Western Australian businesses to foster greater confidence in participants to engage with higher education and employment pathways.
The program will also introduce young people to the physical, mental and emotional benefits of rowing - and in doing so build confidence and other key life skills.
Rowing WA's partnership with Curtin University's 'Curtin AHEAD' program will help introduce Making Waves participants to university life and the opportunities tertiary education can provide.
The Making Waves Shed will also act as a community hub for youth and their families - while developing participation and coaching pathways for the sport itself.
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray:
"I really commend Rowing WA for reaching out so positively into their surrounding community. Champion Lakes is a terrific facility and it is a great thing that local kids from the Armadale area are being encouraged to get involved.
"We all know sport provides many positive mental and physical health benefits - but the potential connections to higher education and employment through this program are all the more significant.
"Rowing WA's relationships with business and tertiary institutions gives it a unique capacity to enact positive change in Western Australia and I commend the sport for launching Making Waves."
As stated by Armadale MLA Tony Buti:
"Making Waves is a great initiative by Rowing WA. It provides a great opportunity for schools in the City of Armadale and surrounds to learn and experience rowing at the great Champion Lakes Regatta Centre.
"Through the logistical and financial support provided by Rowing WA, the McGowan Government and partners, many school children in my community will be able to experience a physical activity that they may not otherwise have the opportunity to be involved in.
"I am excited by what the Making Waves program provides for the schools and students in my community."
As stated by Rowing WA President David Rose:
"Using the sport of rowing, Making Waves brings new life skills and stronger links to higher education to students who may not otherwise have such opportunities.
"The links to higher education come through a partnership with Curtin University and its 'Curtin AHEAD' program - an outstanding, well-established program designed to provide alternative pathways to tertiary education.
"Through the relationship with Curtin University they will have the opportunity to be introduced to the campus, shown that it is a place that accepts a diverse range of young people, and that they too can be a part of a university life."
Minister's office - 6552 6400
