Wright of Passage — Participant Code of Conduct

Version 5.0 · Effective 29 July 2026 · Approved by Shane Greaves, Program Manager, Making Waves Foundation

Purpose

The Wright of Passage Program is delivered by Making Waves Foundation (MWF). Its purpose is to provide young people (Participants) with a safe, supportive and hands-on environment to develop practical work-ready skills, confidence, self-reliance and teamwork.

This is achieved through developing boatbuilding and sailing skills, working proactively as part of a team, and through each Participant’s positive personal application.

This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour, responsibilities and expectations for all Participants and their Parent or Guardian and supports the safe and successful delivery of the Wright of Passage Program.

Commitment and Participation

As a Participant, I agree to:

• Attend the program on the specified days and arrive and depart at the nominated times.
• Make a genuine and positive effort to participate in all activities to the best of my ability.
• Learn by observing and actively participating in boatbuilding and sailing activities under the guidance of staff and volunteers.
• Complete all activities to the best of my ability and seek assistance whenever required.
• Follow the agreed timetable, program structure and instructions provided by staff and volunteers.
• Participate in daily reflection and discussions regarding my engagement and progress.
• Represent Making Waves Foundation positively both on and off the water.

I acknowledge that my participation may continue for up to four school terms, subject to attendance, behaviour, engagement and program availability.

I further acknowledge that:

• A trial day is required before formal acceptance into the program.
• The first six weeks of participation is a probationary period.
• My continued participation depends upon regular attendance, positive engagement and respectful behaviour.

Attendance and Communication

I agree to:

• Use the Making Waves Foundation electronic reporting system (Helm) to record my attendance for the next program day and notify staff if I am unable to attend due to illness or any other reason.
• Communicate proactively, honestly and respectfully with staff and volunteers.
• Advise staff as early as possible if I will be absent or late.
• Provide medical clearance if requested following an extended illness or injury.

I acknowledge that:

• My attendance, participation and behaviour may be communicated to my school or referring organisation through Helm.
• Regular unexplained absences or failure to communicate attendance may result in a review of my continued participation in the program.

Behaviour and Respect

I agree to:

• Be a positive, respectful and cooperative member of the Wright of Passage community.
• Follow all lawful and reasonable directions given by Making Waves Foundation staff and volunteers.
• Treat fellow Participants, volunteers, staff, visitors and members of the public with courtesy, dignity and respect.
• Demonstrate teamwork, responsibility and consideration for others.
• Resolve disagreements respectfully and seek assistance from staff when required.
• Respect cultural diversity, individual differences and the rights of others.

Making Waves Foundation has zero tolerance for:

• Bullying, harassment, intimidation or violence.
• Discrimination or offensive behaviour based on gender, race, age, disability, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexuality or any other protected characteristic.
• Threatening, abusive or intimidating behaviour.
• Theft, vandalism or deliberate damage to property or equipment.

Safety and Wellbeing

Making Waves Foundation is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for everyone involved in the Wright of Passage Program.

As a Participant, I agree to:

• Follow all safety procedures, inductions and instructions provided by Making Waves Foundation staff and volunteers.
• Follow all lawful and reasonable safety directions issued by staff and volunteers.
• Take reasonable care for my own health and safety and the health and safety of others.
• Report hazards, near misses, injuries, damaged equipment or unsafe behaviour immediately.
• Use tools, machinery, equipment and boats only as instructed and under appropriate supervision.
• Wear, as required, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), appropriate clothing and enclosed footwear at all times.
• Never remove, alter or interfere with safety guards, safety devices or safety equipment.
• Follow all emergency procedures, evacuation instructions and incident response directions immediately.
• Use my mobile phone only during scheduled breaks unless authorised by a staff member or volunteer for program purposes or in an emergency.

Making Waves Foundation operates a smoke-free workplace and learning environment. Smoking, vaping, alcohol, illegal drugs and being under the influence of alcohol or drugs are strictly prohibited during program hours or while participating in any Wright of Passage activity.

I acknowledge that the safety of all Participants, staff, volunteers and visitors is the highest priority of the Wright of Passage Program. Failure to comply with safety directions issued by Making Waves Foundation staff or volunteers may result in my immediate removal from an activity and may lead to a review, suspension or removal from the program.

Learning, Goals and Progress

I agree to:

• Work with staff and volunteers to establish personal goals at the commencement of the program.
• Participate in regular goal reviews and progress discussions.
• Accept constructive feedback as part of my learning and personal development.
• Take responsibility for my own learning, behaviour and personal growth.

I acknowledge that my continuation in the program is based upon my attendance, behaviour, participation and demonstrated progress.

Training and Outcomes

Making Waves Foundation will provide:

• Program induction.
• Task-specific training.
• OnGuard Safety Training, including online Work Health and Safety training relevant to tools, machinery and equipment.
• Ongoing mentoring, coaching and supervision.
• Opportunities to develop practical workplace skills.

I acknowledge that:

• The Wright of Passage Program is an unpaid educational and personal development program.
• Certificates and records of achievement are awarded based on participation and demonstrated competency.
• Employment pathway support, references and further opportunities may be provided where appropriate but are not guaranteed.

Conduct, Property and Privacy

I agree to:

• Respect Making Waves Foundation property, tools, boats, equipment and facilities.
• Take reasonable care of all equipment and immediately report any damage or faults.
• Respect the privacy and confidentiality of fellow Participants, staff and volunteers.
• Use social media responsibly and not publish content that may compromise the safety, privacy or reputation of another Participant, volunteer, staff member or Making Waves Foundation.

I acknowledge that:

• Work completed during the program remains the property of Making Waves Foundation unless otherwise agreed in writing.
• Photographs and videos may be taken during the program for participant records and promotional purposes in accordance with the media consent provided by my Parent or Guardian.

Child Safety

Making Waves Foundation is committed to providing a child-safe environment where every Participant feels safe, respected and valued.

All staff and volunteers are committed to upholding child-safe practices and promoting the wellbeing of every young person.

Participants are encouraged to report any concerns regarding their own safety or the safety or wellbeing of another Participant to a staff member as soon as possible.

Parent or Guardian Responsibilities

As the Parent or Guardian, I agree to:

• Provide accurate emergency contact details.
• Provide relevant medical information, including medical conditions, allergies, medications or support requirements that may affect participation.
• Notify Making Waves Foundation promptly of any changes to medical conditions, medications or emergency contacts.
• Support the Participant’s regular and timely attendance and positive engagement.
• Respond promptly if contacted regarding the Participant’s attendance, wellbeing or behaviour.
• Support the Participant in complying with this Code of Conduct and the Wright of Passage Health and Safety Manual.

Application of this Code

This Code of Conduct applies during all Wright of Passage activities, including:

• Workshop sessions.
• Sailing activities.
• Excursions and external visits.
• Transport organised by Making Waves Foundation.
• Community events and presentations.
• Any other activity conducted as part of the Wright of Passage Program.

Breaches of this Code

Making Waves Foundation will respond to breaches of this Code of Conduct in a fair, consistent and reasonable manner. Depending on the nature and seriousness of the behaviour, responses may include:

• Informal discussion and coaching.
• Verbal or written warning.
• Behaviour support plan.
• Temporary removal from an activity.
• Suspension from the program.
• Removal from the Wright of Passage Program.

Serious misconduct or behaviour that places the safety or wellbeing of others at risk may result in immediate suspension or removal from the program.

Acknowledgement

Participants and their parent or guardian are asked to read, understand and acknowledge this Code of Conduct before starting the Wright of Passage Program. Acknowledgement is captured electronically through a personal link issued by Making Waves Foundation — this page is a read-only copy provided for reference.