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Posted by Allen Newton
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1 May, 2026
MID WEST Ports in Western Australia has thrown its weight behind a program to help maintain maritime heritage by sponsoring the Batavia Coast Replica Boat Association.
The association is the recipient of the Mid West Ports’ 2026 Not-for-Profit Partnership Program which provides $22,400 over three years for in-kind maintenance and administrative support from Mid West Ports.
Based in Geraldton, the Batavia Coast Replica Boat Association is an incorporated not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the preservation, operation and community activation of the Batavia Replica Long Boat.
The partnership provides both financial support and in-kind assistance, including administrative and maintenance support, to help sustain and grow the Association’s operations.
Mid West Ports chief executive officer Damian Tully said the partnership reflected the organisation’s commitment to supporting initiatives that delivered meaningful community outcomes.
“The Batavia Coast Replica Boat Association holds a special place in the Geraldton community. Supporting continued public access to the Long Boat will help foster skill development, intergenerational learning and community connection, while also enhancing Geraldton’s cultural tourism offering,” Mr Tully said.
The Batavia Replica Long Boat serves as a working vessel and a unique community asset, offering opportunities for locals and visitors to engage directly with Western Australia’s maritime history through hands-on, on-water experiences.
As part of the partnership, the association aims to deliver a minimum of 12 community sailing or on-water engagement activities per year, including education, twilight sails and commemorative events which it said will provide skills development opportunities for at least 20 volunteers and participants annually across marine safety, vessel maintenance and event operations.
The program is now in its fifth year, Mid West’s not-for-profit program has provided more than $77,500 to community groups since its launch in 2021.
The program has previously supported organisations such as Geraldton Surf Life Saving Club and ATLAS and currently partners with Theatre 8 and Geraldton Tree Canopy Advocates.
