‘Our home is girt by sea.’

Even the lyrics in our national anthem recognise that Australia is surrounded by water. This abundance of oceans, rivers, dams and waterholes means swimming is a popular past time and a key part of Australian way of life.

It’s for this reason that the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation and CommUnity + are teaming up to deliver swimming lessons to some of the Western Suburbs’ newest community members as part of the CALDplay program this term.

Newly arrived adult refugees from countries including Vietnam, Iraq and China have been learning the basics of swimming at the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre each week.

For many participants, this is the first time they have had exposure to swimming and being in and around water.

“We have some people in here who had never been in a pool before, some people who had been in a pool before so there’s a massive range of ability,” said one Swimming Instructor from the program.

It’s not just freestyle and backstroke that are key takeaways from the initiative. Thanks to what are unfortunately alarming statistics surrounding drowning, participants have been developing the fundamentals of water safety, to ensure they are equipped for life around Australia’s waterways.

According to an ABC report, almost half of beach drownings in Australia since 2004 have been people born overseas.

General Manager of Community and Government Relations at the Western Bulldogs, Kashif Bouns said the program is a crucial part of making new Australians feel welcome and safe in their new home.

“CALDplay is all about helping newly arrived refugees and migrants learn English and settle into the Australian way of life.

“We know that swimming is a vital life skill and a huge part of the Australian lifestyle. Learning to swim at any age can not only prevent you from drowning but can also protect your family and help you confidently participate in Australian life and that’s why we are so excited by adding Swimming to the CALDPlay offering.”

CEO of CommUnity+ Tracy Gaudry said that many participants were looking to challenge their fears.

“Many participants said they wanted to get over their fear of water to get into the local pool with their grandchildren.” 

For the participants, it’s all about having fun and developing each week.

“I very like swimming and I very love that they teach me,” said one participant.

“Two lessons, I said okay! She’s very good at teaching me. Before I’m not good – only two sessions I’m very good,” said another.

Including the swimming initiative, the CALDplay program reaches over 1000 newly and arrived adult and children each year - many from refugee backgrounds. Using the power of sport the program connects participants to Australian culture and allows them to learn English all while getting active and increasing their health and wellbeing.

It's one of many ways that Western Bulldogs Community Foundation works with refugee communities to deliver capacity building initiatives across the West of Melbourne and Victoria.

Refugee Week runs from Sunday June 18 to Sunday June 24 2023 and is Australia’s peak annual activity to inform the public about refugees and celebrate positive contributions made by refugees to Australian society.