Making Waves in Community Safety
Making Waves in Community Safety: Belgravia Foundation and Aboriginal Lands Council Empower Young Beachgoers
Belgravia Foundation is proud to celebrate a powerful community partnership between Manning Aquatic Centre and the local Aboriginal Land Council (ALC). A collaboration that supported the delivery of water safety to young participants who are preparing for an upcoming coastal excursion; making water safety programs more accessible, inclusive and engaging.
Held on October 9, 2024, at Manning Aquatic Centre in Bathurst, the program welcomed 10 children from the local Aboriginal community. The session was designed to increase awareness, build confidence, and equip participants with essential skills to stay safe at the beach – a common environment for children and families to participate in water activities.
With the cultural insight and support of the Aboriginal Lands Council, the session placed a strong focus on practical learning—enhancing both swimming ability and beach readiness. Participants explored key water safety concepts including how to identify and respond to rip currents, interpret beach signage, understand the role of lifeguards, and apply safe swimming practices in open water environments.
By offering an inclusive, hands-on learning experience, the initiative empowered children to engage with the content in a way that was both enjoyable and meaningful. The session also encouraged peer connection, built confidence in the water, and supported an ongoing commitment to health and wellbeing through culturally safe education.
This collaborative effort highlights the work of dedicated local champions like Rowee, whose deep community connections and passion for inclusive programming helps create equitable access to accessible programs such as this water safety education. Rowee played a key role in building trust, shaping the program content, and ensuring cultural relevance—making a lasting impact on the young participants and their families.
"It was a great opportunity to teach the children and have their full participation in the program, their smiles and knowing the impact on their safety was incredibly rewarding" - Amie (Assistant Centre Manager)
Partnerships like this are essential to creating long-term impact and the opportunity to co-deliver meaningful education with the Aboriginal Lands Council ensures that children are not only prepared for the beach but feel supported, confident, and included.
The success of this session highlights the shared mission of Belgravia Foundation and Belgravia Leisure to make active, healthy, and connected living accessible to all—regardless of background, ability, or location. That mission cannot come to life without the leadership, care, and advocacy of individuals like Rowee, who bridge communities and drive meaningful change from the ground up.
As the young participants look forward to their beach day, they do so with greater knowledge, stronger swimming skills, and the confidence to enjoy the water safely, thanks to a shared vision for community wellbeing.
