Warakurna community thrives in first season of Swim for Fruit
The Warakurna community has enjoyed the opportunity to participate in the Healthway Go For 2&5 Swim for Fruit program, with children embracing the chance to get active and enjoy a healthy afternoon tea in a season first of the program in this region.
With Sports Coordinator Quentin von Stieglitz on site to facilitate the program beginning in November and running until now, Swim for Fruit was able to be delivered at the Warakurna Pool in the Shire of Ngaanyatjarraku. With a reported population of 268 people in the remote Aboriginal community, children in the region have taken an immediate interest in all the program has to offer, including getting involved in a range of aquatic activities such as competitive swimming, water polo, aqua aerobics and pool lifesaving.
“Numbers have been well patronised on average between 14 to 20 children per day,” said Quentin. “We have opened the pool in two time slots, 2pm until 5pm and 7:30pm until late, three to four days per week, enabling patrons to have a swim in the evening if they require.”
The Warakurna pool has been a great benefit to the community for more than its new offering of the Swim for Fruit program, it also provides a safe community space for people to come to during the warmer weather. “The late swim has proved quite popular with many, as the hall has been too hot to utilise inside,” Quentin said. “We are looking to work closely with other service providers to assist with the late night.”
With Aboriginal Australians reporting higher rates of disease and death, the Go For 2&5 Swim for Fruit program has assisted in developing and maintaining mentally and physically healthy communities, encouraging regular participation in swimming laps with an incentive of a healthy afternoon tea. Through the program, the Go For 2&5 healthy eating message was highlighted, as well as emphasising that participating in meaningful activities and being part of a community helps to stay connected and leads to improved mental health and wellbeing.
“The Swim for Fruit Program has been going well with numbers remaining steady before the school break, with many being awarded some prizes for regular attendance at this,” said Quentin.
This first time offering of the Swim for Fruit program in Warakurna has provided children with an opportunity to learn vital aquatic skills whilst also embracing other social and health benefits. With significant participation numbers so far in its first season, we look forward to seeing what the community achieves in future seasons.
To learn more about the Swim for Fruit program and the impact it’s having on remote Aboriginal communities, visit the link below.
