Closing the gap in the Pilbara

Royal Life Saving WA teamed up with the YMCA to help “close the gap” in the Pilbara last week.

The goal of the national Close the Gap campaign is to close the health- and life-expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians within a generation. The campaign is built on evidence that shows that significant improvements in the health status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can be achieved within short time frames.

At the Wirraka Maya Health Services Aboriginal Corporation’s market stall, the team from Royal Life Saving WA had the chance to pass on information and talk about the different programs available for the Indigenous community, such as Swim & Survive and Swim for Fruit.

“It was a great day for all,” Pilbara Swimming & Lifesaving Development Officer Rae Leeds says. “I was able to build relationships with community groups and we are now working together on some programs that we can run together.”

Working together, we can make sure that by 2030 any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander child born in this country has the same opportunity as other Australian children to live a long, healthy and happy life.