Building relationships in our multicultural communities

Royal Life Saving WA’s Swim and Survive Access and Equity program works to ensure people from all cultures and communities have access to vital swimming and water safety skills. Our Access and Equity staff often attend local events to support multicultural communities and build relationships with those moving to our nation from other parts of the world.

Recently our staff were represented at two major multicultural community events, with Inclusion Coordinator Achol Madong attending the WA African Community Gala, while volunteers also took part in the annual Diwali Festival, organised by the Indian Society of WA.

The WA African Community Gala is an event that recognises the positive contributions and impact of African-Australians in WA. Attendees included the Acting CEO of Edmund Rice Centre WA, Christina Ward, the Mayor of Wanneroo Tracy Roberts, Jannine Freeman MLA, WA Labor Candidate Ayor Chuot, John Aciek - President of South Sudanese Community WA, Isaac Steward-Liberal for Cowan and Terry Healy MLA on behalf of Minister Paul Papalia.

Many members of the Royal Life Saving WA Multicultural Steering Committee were also present, with one member, Albert Muyembe, taking home the award in the Sport, Entertainment and Outstanding Student Category.

The following day our volunteers took part in the Diwali Festival, which saw with more than 14,000 people attend to enjoy some Indian culture, food and festivities. This event was a great opportunity for our Access and Equity team to promote swimming and water safety education to the Indian community in WA and to strengthen our existing partnership with the Indian Society of WA (ISWA).

Royal Life Saving WA continues to work with ISWA to deliver a number of programs including the Men's Only and Women's Only Swim and Survive programs at Cannington Leisureplex, with more locations to be added in the future.

You can read more about our work with Multicultural Communities across WA at the link below.