SENATOR JAMES PATERSON
SHADOW MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND CYBER SECURITY
SENATOR DEAN SMITH
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR COMPETITION, CHARITIES AND TREASURY
FELICIA ADENIYI
LIBERAL PARTY CANDIDATE FOR COWAN
30 April 2025
MULTICULTURAL YOUTH SWIMMING PROGRAM WILL SAVE LIVES AND BOOST SOCIAL COHESION
An elected Dutton Liberal Government will provide $150,000 over three years from a revitalised Safer Communities Fund (SCF) to support multicultural youth swimming lessons in Cowan, ensuring improved water safety and greater social integration for more than 600 local kids.
Utilising Royal Life Saving WA’s 8-week ‘Swim & Survive’ program, the classes will be run from Stirling Leisure Centre – Leisurepark in Balga for up to 208 children a year, with the cost of any swimming equipment included.
Liberal candidate for Cowan, Felicia Adeniyi, said this funding would help children and their families feel safer in and around the water.
“This is especially important in Cowan, where a significant percentage of the population was born overseas. We know that multicultural communities are at greater risk of drowning due to cultural differences in swimming ability,” Ms Adeniyi said.
“This funding is a direct response to requests from concerned families in Cowan, and particularly the Organisation of African Communities in Western Australia, given the tragic drownings that occurred in recent years.”
Senator for Western Australia, Senator Dean Smith, said the swimming program also has a key role in preventing isolation and fostering greater social integration for multicultural children.
“Water safety knowledge and swimming are, fortunately, part of life for the wider community, but it’s vital that multicultural families are not excluded from this,” Senator Smith said.
“The swimming program will help ensure that these children can confidently and safety enjoy the same activities as everybody else in Cowan, fostering a stronger sense of community here.”
Shadow Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security, Senator James Paterson, said under a Dutton Liberal Government, the Cowan community will be better supported.
“Getting Australia back on track means keeping Australia safe – safe for families, safe for businesses, and safe for communities,” Senator Paterson said.
This commitment is part of the Liberals’ plan to strengthen our local communities and get our country back on track.