Western Australian Nautical Initiatives (WANI) is a community-driven organisation dedicated to strengthening maritime culture across Western Australia. We bring people together through meaningful projects that connect individuals, families, and communities with our state’s coastal and inland waterways—from the Indian Ocean coastline to rivers, estuaries, and lakes throughout regional WA.

Founded on the belief that maritime knowledge and access should be shared by all, WANI works in partnership with sailing and boating clubs, schools, marine businesses, community groups, and government agencies to create programs that expand education, environmental stewardship, and recreational opportunity.

What We Do

Community Engagement

We design inclusive programs that welcome people of all ages and backgrounds into maritime life. Whether through introductory sailing experiences, volunteer shoreline projects, heritage events, or youth mentorship programs, WANI fosters a sense of belonging on and around the water.

Maritime Education

Working with educators and industry professionals, we deliver practical learning opportunities that build seamanship, water safety awareness, environmental literacy, and maritime career pathways. Our initiatives help young people and adults develop confidence, skills, and respect for the marine environment.

Sustainability & Stewardship

Western Australia’s waterways are central to our identity and wellbeing. WANI promotes conservation and responsible boating through clean-up initiatives, habitat restoration partnerships, sustainable boating education, and community awareness campaigns that protect marine ecosystems for future generations.

Heritage & Culture

From traditional seafaring knowledge to modern maritime innovation, WANI celebrates Western Australia’s rich nautical history. We support storytelling projects, heritage regattas, exhibitions, and collaborations that honour the diverse maritime traditions shaping our state.

How We Work

WANI thrives on collaboration. By working alongside sailing clubs, schools, tourism operators, marine industries, local councils, and state agencies, we create scalable initiatives that deliver real community impact. Our projects are designed to be:

Accessible – Open and welcoming to all communities

Safe – Promoting best practice water safety standards

Educational – Building lifelong skills and knowledge

Sustainable – Protecting our waterways and ecosystems

Community-Led – Developed with input from local partners

Our Vision

We envision a Western Australia where everyone feels connected to the water—where maritime activities are safe, inclusive, and sustainable, and where our nautical heritage continues to inspire innovation, wellbeing, and community pride.

Through collaboration, creativity, and shared passion, WANI aims to spark lifelong engagement with the marine environment and ensure that Western Australia’s waterways remain places of learning, recreation, and connection for generations to come.