Eden Canoe Project - Access & Inclusion Grant application

Marina Industries Association © MIA

The Marine Industry Foundation (MIF) is proud to announce that it has provided grant funding to assist high school students from Eden Marine High, working on the Eden Canoe Project, to participate in regional festivals. In particular, they will provide a canoe building demonstration and encourage community participation at the Eden Whale Festival and the Aboriginal Arts & Crafts Festival - Giiyong. The funding will additionally provide new tools and materials to the students who will also be provided with the opportunity to attain the industry induction accreditation Marine Card, increasing the marine studies component in the school curriculum.

Managed by the Boating Industry Association (BIA) and the Marina Industries Association (MIA), the MIF was established in 2015 to broaden community access to the benefits of recreational boating and to assist the marine industry to grow and develop as a significant provider of social, recreational and employment opportunities.

The Eden Canoe Project is a community collaboration between Eden High School, local Elders, professional boat builders and local businesses. It engages students in the community to design, build and use canoes, teaching a range of skills, building team spirit and the development of personal self-worth. The project leader, Rev. Michael Palmer, commented on the project "the initiative has created a pathway for students to remain connected to culture, the environment and the education system. As students construct a canoe and enjoy local waterways, they are furthering their horizons and have increased feelings of both belonging and hope."

Nik Parker, Boating Industry Association (BIA) co-general manager commented, "The BIA applauds the project's aims and leadership and endorses this application under the Access and Inclusion stream of the Marine Industry Foundation, acknowledging the excellent fit of this project with the objects of the Association to engage with the future of the industry's workforce and consumers and to provide education and training opportunities with boat maintenance and repairs".

MIF Director and Marina Industries Association President, Andrew Chapman said it was very pleasing to see Foundation funding being used for very practical purposes. "The grant of $8,000 will be used to facilitate the travel for these young people and provide them with quality tools necessary for their task. This will really contribute to growing the confidence of these young people".

Past recipients of MIF grants include, Noosa Yacht Club, Fishability and Sailability. The MIF welcomes applications that support broadening access to recreational boating and support education, training and skill development opportunities in the marine sectors.

Details of the Marine Industry Foundation and how to apply are available from the Foundation's website, www.marinefoundation.org.au.