Published on Tuesday, 22 July 2025 at 2:57:22 PM
Para-canoeing is set to become more accessible and safer in East Fremantle thanks to a recent funding boost from the Town of East Fremantle.
The Hurricane Outrigger Canoe Club has been awarded a $1,000 Community Assistance Grant to upgrade life jackets for its Para-Canoe program.
Six jackets will be altered to suit the individual’s disability, including sporting sewn-in hand grabs to assist paddlers with re-entering a capsized canoe.
They will also include specialised paddle attachments designed for one-armed paddlers, preventing the loss of paddles during use and ensuring independence and confidence on the water.
Hurricane’s Para-Canoe Coach Tori Vidler said the grant would assist in providing a safe environment for people with disabilities to access and participate in community water sports.
“The Hurricane Para-squad are grateful for the Town’s support for new life jackets,” she said.
“Water safety should be a priority for everyone involved. Having access to life jackets, without the participant having to self-fund them, removes barriers for new para-paddlers to enter the sport. It also allows them to paddle further from the sand with comfort and confidence.
“When our para-paddlers are ready, the life jackets will also provide high visibility and added safety for them to try ocean paddling.”
The Hurricane Outrigger Canoe Club is one of eight clubs to receive a Community Assistance Grant from the Town’s 2025/26 Community Assistance Grant program.
Council awarded $13,339 in grants to:
- Hurricane Outrigger Canoe Club - $1,000 for six life jackets for Para-Canoe program
- Lions Club - $960 for 17 jackets and two vinyl banners for community events.
- Fremantle Rowing Club – $1,818.17 for new sculling oars
- Richmond Primary School P & C – $2,000 for funding towards the construction of their new outdoor classroom and nature play area
- East Fremantle Yacht Club – $3,248 for funding to replace the end-of-life sails on club owned training boats for young people
- East Fremantle Bowling Club – $821.57 for 17 club polo shirts and 16 wide brim hats
- East Fremantle Junior Cricket Club – $2,000 for new cricket balls
- Fremantle Sea Scouts – $1,500 for camping equipment
Mayor Jim O’Neill congratulated the Hurricane Outrigger Canoe Club on their grant.
“We are proud to support the Hurricane Outrigger Canoe Club’s important initiative, and congratulate all of the 2025/26 grant recipients,” he said.
Mayor O’Neill thanked everyone who took the time to apply during this funding round.
“This fund is more than just financial support – it helps our clubs and sporting groups with regular running costs such as buying new life jackets,” he said.
“These jackets are a wonderful investment towards equal access to para-canoeing and it is great that everyone can enjoy our natural spaces safely and with confidence.”
Since 2016, the Town has invested over $95,000 for tangible items for community and sporting groups through its Community Assistance Grants program.
For more information, see the Community Assistance Grants Program page.
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