New swim safety program to make a splash in Mount Isa

• New swim program in Mount Isa to teach water safety skills to young people and adults from refugee and migrant backgrounds
• The North Queensland Inclusive Water Safety and Swimming Program has received a $50,000 grant through the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program
  
  

Families from refugee and migrant backgrounds in Mount Isa are set to benefit from a new swim program to ensure they can be safe in and around water.

The Queensland Swimming Association will deliver its North Queensland Inclusive Water Safety and Swimming Program in Mount Isa for the first time, which is expected to attract more than 200 participants.

The program for people from culturally diverse backgrounds will deliver training in CPR and first aid, a TAFE English and water safety course to help them read and interpret water safety signage, and Make a Splash come-and-try days.

Participants will also be encouraged to complete aquatic industry training that could lead to future job opportunities.

The project has received a $50,000 grant from the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland (CMQ) program and will be delivered in 2025.

Other activities funded through the CMQ program this year for Mount Isa include $10,000 for the popular Mount Isa Multicultural Festival in September.

The Miles Government is also investing more than $90,000 annually through the Community Action for a Multicultural Society program in Mount Isa.

This is delivering a range of activities to help address barriers to economic and social inclusion for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Activities include driving lessons, conversational English classes, cooking and sewing classes, cross-cultural awareness, and working with employers to identify job opportunities.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Charis Mullen:

“I’m delighted this swim safety project will be delivered in Mount Isa.

“We know many young people and adults from culturally diverse backgrounds have not had the chance to learn water safety skills before moving to Queensland.

“This program will enable participants to feel more confident in and around the water – which is such a big part of our lifestyle.

“I’m also thrilled our government is supporting the Mount Isa Multicultural Festival with a $10,000 grant.

“It’s always a fun-filled day with delicious food and entertainment, and a fantastic way for Mount Isa to celebrate the community’s great diversity.”

Further information:

• For more information about the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program please visit: www.dcssds.qld.gov.au/cmq-program
• The 2024–25 multicultural events funding round is now open for applications and will close on 30 June 2024.

ENDS

Media: 0417 296 116