Women's Only Swimming

Overview

This project provided much-needed leisure time for disadvantaged women from diverse communities, who were given exclusive use of a local pool and facilities.

This project was a partnership between Victoria Police, Springvale Neighbourhood House, the Victoria YMCA Community programming and the Dandenong Oasis Leisure Centre.

What are the aims of the project?

In the greater Dandenong area in Melbourne about half of the residents come from diverse communities. Many of these residents are humanitarian entrants who are at risk of social disadvantage. Many women in these communities did not feel they were able to utilise public pool facilities for cultural and religious reasons. Many do not participate in existing activity groups due to lack of English language skills. These women often experience health issues such as obesity and lack of physical strength.

This innovative project provides the opportunity for these women to engage in physical activities and strengthen social networks among different cultures. The project also aims to improve the overall health of participants.

What was involved?

The Victorian Multicultural Commission provided a $20,000 grant as part of the 2008 community grants program. A Steering Committee was formed, consisting of local Somali, Sri Lankan, Afghan and local neighbourhood women’s groups.

The Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal provided approval to run women’s only swimming after hours on every other Sunday at the Oasis Leisure Centre in Dandenong.

Women were given exclusive use of the pools and facilities including hydrotherapy and the fun pool. They were also later given access to the gym, spa and sauna room.

Who participated?

About 200 women participate each fortnight from different women's groups in the areas of Dandenong, Springvale, Endeavour Hills, Doveton and Noble Park. Women heard about the program only through word of mouth.

What were the outcomes?

Participation in this project was overwhelming and some women had to be turned away due to the limited capacity of the centre. The project proved so successful that the Oasis Leisure Centre has now introduced a women's only 'Learn to Swim' program every other Sunday.

Victoria Police’s Region 5 Multicultural Liaison Unit will continue to support the project and will apply for further funding.

Where can I get more information?

Further information on this project is available.

Senior Constable Maha Sukkar
Region 5 Multicultural Liaison Unit
Victoria Police
Email: maha.sukkar@police.vic.gov.au
Telephone: 03 97677510