Everyone deserves the chance to experience the freedom of being on the water. There truly is nothing like being outside with the wind in your hair and sun on your face to brighten someone’s day. Sailability Port Macquarie does just that, with over 30 volunteers coming together each Wednesday morning at McInherney Park to give people living with disabilities the opportunity to experience the thrill of sailing, build confidence and connect with their community.
Sailability is an all inclusive volunteer organisation, giving people with varying abilities freedom on the water through sailing. Since commencing in Port Macquarie in 2012, each Wednesday during the summer season of September to May, Sailability provides over 60 people each week the opportunity to get out on the water for just 30 minutes and experience the freedom of the water at no charge.
At Garden Village, we are all about a life well lived and creating opportunities for our residents to immerse themselves in the community so they can thrive in all areas of life. For 45 years Garden Village has cared for local seniors and people living with disabilities. During this time we’re proud to have nurtured connections with incredible organisations like Sailability who give so much to our community. Over the years Garden Village has donated to support Sailability in recognition of the impact the program has on Garden Village residents and the wider Port Macquarie Hastings community.
Garden Village resident Robert Palmer has been a part of the program since its inception and has eagerly looked forward to Wednesday mornings to get out on the water.
As Robert describes, “It’s freedom on the water, I can do what I want, go where I want, it’s fantastic”. Robert has spent most of his life down by the water as a keen fisherman and Sailability has given him back the opportunity to experience the calm of the Hastings River and be surrounded by dolphins and even a passing pilot whale.
Julie Constable, Vice President of Sailability describes the joy that each sailor experiences on the water.
“You can tell by the look on their face how much they enjoy sailing. They experience putting their hands in the water and other times watch the dolphins and fish swim past. Week after week you see our sailors’ confidence grow and the joy on their faces is overwhelming,” said Julie.
As you can imagine, running a sailing organisation comes at a great cost and Sailability does an incredible job to offset a number of costs so that this can remain a free program for our community. Businesses can come on board and partner with Sailability to ensure this program can continue running year after year.
Donations go towards purchasing boats and equipment needed to operate them, maintaining boats and equipment, and operating Sailability activities. Head to their website www.sailabilitypm.com.au and together let’s help all individuals to truly live a great life.
“Garden Village is incredibly proud of our partnership and it’s wonderful to see the impact that it has on our residents that enjoy being on the water. We encourage other businesses to get involved and make a donation,” said Craig Wearne CEO Garden Village.
If carers or participants are looking for additional help at home contact the Garden Village Home Care team – we travel right across the Hastings Region supporting people at home.
Garden Village is hosting a luncheon as part of Seniors Week for Sailability Volunteers and friends. Experience an engaging 5 minute Virtual Reality Sailing Trip and hear about the transformational program, hear abour Garden Village services and enjoy a $10 Seniors Week lunch.
- Tuesday 11 March 11.30am til 1.30pm
- 19 Garden Crescent
- Book with Moira at Sailability
