Swimming grants help bring Wide Bay together

People with disabilities and the elderly will have better access to swimming lessons at Maryborough Aquatic Centre, through the Coalition Government’s Community Swimming Grants Program.
 
Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced Fraser Coast Regional Council will receive $9,999 to help ensure swimming remains accessible to all local residents, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
 
“Swimming is such an important activity to Australia culturally, especially in Queensland, and these community grants reflect the importance of ensuring people from diverse walks of life can enjoy the water safely,” Mr O’Brien said.  
 
“This funding will provide AustSwim Access and Inclusion certification for 13 instructors at Maryborough Aquatic Centre, which will enable more one-on-one sessions for people with a disability and provide more support for schools bringing children with physical, intellectual and educational disabilities during learn-to-swim sessions.”
 
The program will also enable weekly one-on-one swimming lessons for 32 culturally and linguistically diverse participants over 10 weeks, including pool visit passes so they can practice their skills, and will help the Maryborough Aquatic Centre meet demand for lessons catering to older people, including those with mobility issues and recovery from surgeries.
 
“This funding is expected to help 400 people get active in the water at Maryborough Aquatic centre, including older persons wanting to learn to swim so they can engage with great-grandchildren,” Mr O’Brien said.
 
Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said community swimming groups in every state and territory would benefit.
 
“These grants are about providing more active opportunities for Australians regardless of ability, background, age or location,” Minister Colbeck said.
 
“It’s about getting Australians active, but also about building inclusivity and stronger communities through swimming.”

Swimming Australia CEO Leigh Russell said she was delighted the Community Swimming Grants Program would aid many organisations around the country.

“The more people who have access to swimming lessons and water safety the better,’’  Ms Russell said.

 “Swimming is such a vital life skill, and I know this funding will go a long way in promoting and facilitating these skills to those most at risk in the community.

“These grants also encourage social inclusion which generate genuine friendships and relationships.”

The Community Swimming Grants Program will be complimented by strategic partnerships with 11 key organisations who will conduct programs across 57 locations.
 
The Move It Aus Participation Grants program, is delivering 62 projects across the country to help get more Australians physically active.
 

ENDS

Media Contact:
For Mr O’Brien:  Clementine Norton (07) 4121 2936