Making Waves Foundation

30/05/2026

Bradley Hoppen is a proud graduate of the Wright of Passage Boat Building Program, and his journey has become a powerful example of what can unfold through the Winds of Inspiration pathway with the Making Waves Foundation.

From building boats with his own hands to stepping into offshore sailing, Brad has grown through every stage of the program. One of the defining moments of his journey was becoming skipper and crossing the finish line of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, a life-changing milestone that reflects his growth, confidence, and capability ⛵

Along the way, Brad has completed two full boat builds, developed strong teamwork and communication skills, and discovered a genuine passion for life on the water. Now at 19, he is continuing his journey by working on boats at home and staying closely connected to the marine industry he loves.

For his mum, Mary Hoppen, the experience has been equally transformative. Watching her son step into opportunities he truly wanted, grow in confidence, and find direction has been life-changing. As Mary reflects, “Providing my child with opportunities to engage in things that he actually wants to… it’s been mind-blowing.”

This is what Winds of Inspiration with the Making Waves Foundation is all about — creating pathways, building confidence, and supporting young people and their families through real, hands-on experiences that change lives.

👉 Support our EOFY Campaign:
https://makingwaves.au/eofy-campaign-2026/

🎁 Donate over $500 to go in the draw to win one of two Verve Portraits packages

Thank you for helping us continue to create life-changing opportunities across our programs.

29/05/2026

🌊 Wright of Passage Graduate Spotlight — Bradley Hoppen ⛵

Bradley Hoppen is a proud graduate of the Wright of Passage Boat Building Program and a true example of what can happen when opportunity meets commitment.

At just 18, Brad has already taken his journey beyond the workshop and into the ocean, becoming part of our Winds of Inspiration offshore racing campaign aboard the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race 2025.

Through his time in the program, Brad developed hands-on boatbuilding skills, strengthened his ability to work within a team, and discovered the importance of communication, trust, and camaraderie — both on and off the water.

Now, he thrives on the thrill of offshore racing and the challenge of high-performance sailing, continuing to grow through every experience.

We are incredibly proud of Brad’s journey so far and look forward to seeing what comes next. His story is a powerful reminder to current and future participants of what is possible through dedication, teamwork, and belief.

👉 Support our campaign:
https://makingwaves.au/eofy-campaign-2026/

Please give generously to help us continue creating life-changing pathways for young people across our programs.

🎁 Donations over $500 go in the draw to win one of two Verve Portraits packages

29/05/2026

29/05/2026

27/05/2026

For Mary Hoppen, watching her son Bradley’s journey with the Making Waves Foundation has been a truly life-changing experience.

From his early days in the Wright of Passage program to stepping confidently into offshore sailing, Mary has witnessed remarkable growth — including the defining moment of Brad becoming skipper and crossing the finish line of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race ⛵

Along the way, Brad has completed two full boat builds, developed real maritime and teamwork skills, and discovered a deep passion for life on the water. Now at 19, he is already fixing boats at home and continuing to build his future in the marine industry.

For Mary, the transformation has been extraordinary. As she reflects, “Providing my child with opportunities to engage in things that he actually wants to… it’s been mind-blowing.”

This is the impact of the Making Waves Foundation — opportunity, confidence, and life-changing pathways for young people and their families.

We are incredibly grateful to families like Mary’s who trust the journey and support young people to reach their potential.

👉 Support our EOFY Campaign:
https://makingwaves.au/eofy-campaign-2026/

🎁 Donate over $500 to go in the draw to win one of two Verve Portraits packages

27/05/2026

⛵ Today on World Sailing Day, we celebrate the power of sailing to change lives.

🌊 At Making Waves Foundation, we see this every day — on the water, in the workshop, and through the confidence that grows in young people when they are given responsibility, belonging, and opportunity.

💙 From inclusive offshore racing campaigns to hands-on boat building and school-based programs across Australia, sailing is more than a sport for us — it is a pathway to connection, resilience, and belief.

🌱 We are proud to work with young people living with disability, experiencing disadvantage, or disengaged from school, giving them access to experiences that many never thought possible.

🙏 Thank you to our supporters, volunteers, and partners who make this possible. Your belief in our mission helps us continue opening the water to everyone.

⛵ Happy World Sailing Day World Sailing

26/05/2026

Rain, hail or shine — our crew are out on the water training for the Making Waves Foundation 24th Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race campaign!

This is Offshore Overnight Training #002 for the year, as we continue building toward one of Australia’s most iconic ocean racing events.

We are incredibly proud of the dedication and commitment of our crew as they push through conditions and prepare for what lies ahead.

Crew announcement coming next month — stay tuned.

A huge thank you to our skipper John Whitfeld for leading the campaign and guiding the team with experience and strength on the water.

And thank you to Annie Lawrence, our navigator, for capturing this moment.

Proud of what’s ahead for this team. 🌊⛵️

25/05/2026

🌊 Sydney – Winds of Joy | EOFY Campaign ⛵

Out of the classroom and onto the water — this is where transformation begins.

Through the Winds of Joy Sydney program, young people are given the opportunity to step into something completely new. Onboard, they learn to work as a team, take the helm, and begin to see their own potential in a different light.

For dedicated volunteer Tricia Rubenstein, these moments are why she continues to show up. She’s seen firsthand how powerful it is when students are trusted, supported, and given space to grow — building confidence, connection, and belief with every session.

Out on the water, teamwork becomes everything. As a crew, participants learn to rely on one another, communicate, and step into new roles. And in doing so, they begin to rewrite their own stories — discovering what they’re capable of beyond the classroom.

This is what Winds of Joy is all about — real experiences that create lasting change.

👉 Support our EOFY Campaign:
https://makingwaves.au/eofy-campaign-2026/

🎁 Donate over $500 to go in the draw to win one of two Verve Portraits packages

Help us continue delivering life-changing programs for young people across Australia.

24/05/2026

Out on the water, teamwork changes everything ⛵

Through Winds of Joy Sydney, students learn to rely on one another — communicating, supporting, and working together as a crew.

For Tricia Rubenstein, these moments are powerful. It’s where young people begin to step into new roles, build trust, and see themselves differently.

Together, they’re not just sailing — they’re rewriting their own stories, one experience at a time.

👉 Support the EOFY Campaign:
https://makingwaves.au/eofy-campaign-2026/

🎁 Donate over $500 to go in the draw to win one of two Verve Portraits packages

22/05/2026

Today, we were honoured to receive another generous donation from the ASX Refinitiv Charity Foundation — a partnership that has supported Making Waves Foundation for over a decade.

We are incredibly grateful for their continued belief in our mission and the impact we create together.

It’s also a privilege to stand alongside so many inspiring charities, all working to strengthen communities, create opportunities and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

To the ASX Refinitiv Charity Foundation — thank you for your ongoing support, partnership and commitment to creating positive change. We’re excited for what we can continue to achieve together.