Programmed are proud to be a sponsor of Sailing ON, a not-for-profit group that helps improve the mental health of current and former defence force personnel through sailing education.
Sailing ON was formed in mid-2021 by retired army major Guy Mewburn. Shocked to learn about the high suicide rate amongst our Australian defence force veterans, Mr Mewburn wanted to help ease these stresses. So, he came up with an idea that combined teamwork with mateship – Sailing ON.
Based at the South of Perth Yacht Club, members help restore old boats that have fallen into disrepair. The team bond over a bit of old fashioned hard work, elbow grease and getting out on the water.
The group has grown to around 39 members, and there are already plans in the works to run formal sailing classes and frontline mental health courses through Open Arms, which provide counselling and support to defence force veterans.
For anyone interested, Sailing ON runs sailing sessions every Wednesday afternoon and twilight and Saturdays when skippers are available. For more information, head to sailingonwa.org.au
Programmed are thrilled to be a part of the Sailing ON initiative. Best of luck to the members as they get to ‘know the ropes’. We look forward to seeing the Programmed sail around the waterways of Perth.
