A sailing club dedicated to improving the mental wellbeing of military veterans has successfully navigated a funding hurdle, after the City of Cockburn voted to provide crucial financial support.
Council Changes Course on Sponsorship
At its meeting on December 9, 2025, the Cockburn Council voted 6-3 to approve a $5000 sponsorship for Sailing On WA Inc., overturning a recommendation from city staff. The club, which operates from the South of Perth Yacht Club, had sought the funds to support twilight racing events held in collaboration with the Cockburn RSL, Cockburn Men’s Shed, and RSL WA.
Councillor Kevin Allen, who moved the successful motion, argued passionately for the immediate need. "This is all about supporting mental health for returned servicemen," Cr Allen said. "When you’re on the water, anything that is troubling you on land just absolutely dissolves. If we put this off until the next round of funding in March, the sailing season is over."
Debate Over Local Benefit
City staff had initially recommended rejecting the request, citing a lack of direct community benefit for Cockburn residents. Director of Community and Place, Kylie Johnson, acknowledged the club's worthy goal but noted that only 12 of its 240 members were local. She stated there was approximately $57,000 remaining in the city’s group sponsorship budget.
In a letter to the council, Sailing On chair and founder Guy Mewburn emphasised the transformative power of the program. "$5000 will go a long way to help us continue our work promoting mental health, wellbeing, connection and accessible recreation for veterans," he wrote. The club, established over three years ago, focuses on activities like yacht repair, sailing education, and racing to foster camaraderie and improve wellbeing.
Broader Context of Council Funding
The discussion on the sailing club's funding occurred alongside other community grant deliberations. Earlier in the same meeting, Councillor Tarun Dewan questioned why the city's contribution to Cockburn Central YouthCARE had remained at $20,000 since 2016. The council was informed this was the amount the group requested and was the maximum allowed under the city's policy.
The council's decision ensures Sailing On WA can proceed with its planned twilight events for the current sailing season, providing a vital outlet for veterans. The club's fleet of five yachts on the Swan River will now host these collaborative gatherings, directly supporting its mission to use sailing as a therapeutic tool.
