Through partnership with Port Waratah, the school’s students - all of whom have moderate to severe intellectual disability and additional support needs - now have greater access to safe, inclusive and engaging hydrotherapy experiences designed to support their physical wellbeing, sensory regulation and participation in learning.

For the students of Newcastle Middle Special School, entering the water can provide a rare sense of freedom, calm and connection. With Port Waratah’s support, the school has been able to strengthen these experiences through enabling accredited water safety and rescue training for all staff, funding the purchase of non-slip mats for shower and changeroom areas, and the purchase of flotation devices, flippers, goggles and water play resources to improve safety and participation during hydrotherapy sessions.

The impact has been immediate.

The staff have witnessed students become more willing to participate in aquatic activities, with many showing increased confidence, engagement and enjoyment during sessions. The new resources have helped create a more inclusive environment where students with a wide range of physical and sensory needs can participate comfortably.

Importantly, the programme has empowered staff through increased confidence, knowledge and skill in the water, improving supervision and emergency response, ensuring students can continue to access these valuable experiences well into the future.

For families, the programme has delivered reassurance that their children are able to safely participate in activities that support both wellbeing and development in such a positive and supportive environment.

“We are incredibly grateful to Port Waratah for the generous contribution towards staff training and upgraded aquatic resources,” said Eliza Greening, Deputy Principal. “The funding has allowed us to purchase important equipment to enhance students’ hydrotherapy activities and has helped build capacity among our staff.”

At Port Waratah, we are proud to play a part in helping create spaces across our region, where every young person feels included and empowered to reach their potential.