Local Bidyadanga talent recognised through Swim and Survive Inclusion Project

An artist from the remote Aboriginal community of Bidyadanga has been recognised for having her work selected as part of a special project for Royal Lifesaving WA. Talented artist Kiarah Mandijalu’s original artwork was chosen as the design for a towel as part of the Swim and Survive Inclusion Project, which endeavours to strengthen Aboriginal communities' connection to their Remote Pools.

More than a dozen community members came together to recognise Kiarah, including three of the artists who contributed to the project at its inception last year. Special permission was also given for Kiarah’s father, Ahmet Mandijalu, to attend the Women’s Centre event.

The Inclusion Project is one of the ways the Swim and Survive program aims to build connections with Indigenous communities. Supported by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, the program helps to educate remote communities on water safety whilst growing a sense of community cohesion. 

Since the design approval, 50 towels have already been distributed to the La Grange Remote Community School as part of their in-term swimming lessons, and 20 have been given to the Women’s Centre artists and their families. 130 towels are also available for sale as part of a fundraising effort to support the Bidyadanga Remote Pool.

To purchase a towel and support fundraising efforts visit the link below: