People with a disability will be able to participate in aquatic training and sailing activities on the Mid North Coast of NSW with the official opening of the North Coast Inclusive Aquatic Facility at the Coomba Aquatic Club.
The new complex was recently opened by Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro and Member for Myall Lakes, Stephen Bromhead.  

President of the Coomba Aquatic Club, Peter Felton said that thanks to NSW Government funding of $1.3 million, the new Clubhouse and boat shed is the fulfillment of 30 years of fund-raising efforts.
This Clubhouse is a wonderful tribute to hundreds of hours of work by Club members since 1992, but it would not have been built without the NSW Government’s help”, Mr Felton said.

“Situated in a magnificent setting just metres from the waters of Wallis lake, the facility will benefit not only club members but also the wider Great Lakes community as we will be able to hold sailing events, community functions and wedding receptions and the like. 

Mr Barilaro said the facility, which includes an elevator, commercial kitchen and solar power is the only one of its kind in the region and will lead to more participation in aquatic activities and adaptive sailing and dragon boating.

Mr Stephen Broomhead LLM MP, Mayor David West, President of Coomba Aquatic Club Peter Felton, The Hon John Barilaro MP

“I am honoured to have officially opened Coomba Aquatic Club, which is an essential facility for national, regional, State and club disability sailing regattas.” Mr Barilaro said.

“The new clubhouse will enable sailing regattas to operate under conditions that will ensure safe, dignified and equitable access for all competitors as well as for carers and spectators.

“The NSW Government is proud to be a partner in this project that is providing opportunities for people with disability to enjoy NSW waterways.

“The NSW Government wants to help fund amenities in communities in rural and regional NSW, especially those that have helped themselves with dedication and hard work, like the community of Coomba Park.

Sailability NSW, part of an Australia-wide Sailability network,  is a volunteer organisation whose mission is to facilitate and offer people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in the sport of sailing and boat usage at social, recreational and competitive levels regardless of age and level of disability.

President of Sailability NSW, John Price said his organisation helped design the facility and will use it to promote the sport of sailing in the disabled community especially in northern NSW.