14 June 2019 - Media Release
A learn to swim program for refugees – staffed by swim teachers and life guards from refugee backgrounds - has been awarded Community Based Initiative of the Year by peak body Parks and Leisure Australia at the 2019 Regional Awards of Excellence.
The project is a joint initiative of Council and Belgravia Leisure, which manages the Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre in Lidcombe on Council’s behalf.
Mayor Greg Cummings congratulated staff from both organisations for their efforts, saying the Award of Excellence was richly deserved.
“Learning to swim at your local pool is a rite of passage for Australians,” Mayor Greg Cummings said.
“Thanks to the refugee swim program, this experience can now be more easily shared by those from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds.
“The refugee swim program is a perfect example of Council’s commitment to being an inclusive, welcoming community.
“It’s not enough to say, ‘build it and they will come.’ The delivery of our services must be sensitive to the unique experiences and needs of our diverse community.
“Many residents of Cumberland have had little experience of the water. Our swim centres have an important role to play in helping them become safe and confident in the water.
“By employing lifeguards and swim teachers with similar backgrounds and experiences to our residents, we are helping them to feel more connected and confident in the pool.
“The fact that this award was received just ahead of Refugee Week, 16-22 June, makes it particularly timely.
“The theme for Refugee Week is ‘A world of stories.’ Council and Belgravia Leisure’s refugee swim program is just one of the stories that should be shared this week.”
