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 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 development 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.
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About the Marine Industry Foundation
The Marine Industry Foundation (MIF) was established 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 economic opportunity.
The mission of the Foundation is to:
• Provide support to disadvantaged groups and groups disconnected from recreational boating with access to boating experiences and skills.
• Provide opportunities for employment, education and training within the marine industry.
About the Boating Industry Association
The Boating Industry Association Ltd (BIA) is the peak body in Australia that represents the interests of recreational and light commercial boating. BIA is an advocate for boaters and the boating lifestyle and supports safe, responsible, and enjoyable boating.
The boating economy generates significant social benefits through employment, much of which is supported by family businesses. In 2019 the industry had a turnover of $7.95 billion, directly employed more than 25,320 people with more than 10,000 contractors. Seventy-five per cent are in small businesses, employing local workers and supporting local communities. Boating is also a significant contributor to the economy that spans metropolitan, rural and regional Australia.
About the Marina Industries Association (MIA)
The MIA is the peak body representing the interests of club, recreational and commercial marinas, boatyards and industry suppliers in Australia & the wider Asia-Pacific region. Working closely with other marina associations around the world, the MIA works in support of developing sustainable marina industries through the delivery of strong leadership, industry guidance, education, accreditation and research. The MIA has over 300 corporate members and connects over 2000 industry leaders and decision makers. 75% of members are marinas, clubs and boatyards and over 80% of larger marinas (over 100 berths) in Australia are members of the MIA.
Media enquires:
Nik Parker, BIA, M 0488 097 274, nik@bia.org.au
Rev Michael Palmer, Eden Canoe Project, M 0423 774 735, mknp61@gmail.com
