The final Multicultural Steering Committee meeting for the 2024–25 financial year was held yesterday at the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) next to the Royal Life Saving WA offices. The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on achievements of the past year, share updates, and preview the strategic direction of multicultural aquatic education going forward.

Held to coincide with the UNHCR World Refugee Day on 20th June, the meeting recognised the contributions and experiences of humanitarian migrants in Western Australia. As of 2023, 110 million people worldwide have been forcibly displaced due to conflict, persecution or disaster. The meeting also reaffirmed Royal Life Saving WA’s commitment to removing barriers to water safety education for all migrants.

Royal Life Saving WA CEO Peter Leaversuch opened the meeting with a preview into the organisation’s new Strategic Plan, set to launch on 1 July 2025. With a focus on bringing people together to create more inclusive and accessible aquatic spaces for all, this new plan builds on the previous 2020-25 Strategic Plan’s commitments by empowering community members to stay safe in and around water.

Guest speaker Ciara Galega, an inclusion and accessibility advocate, mentor, and host of the Daring Different podcast, shared powerful insights drawn from her lived experience as a woman of colour and person with a disability. She spoke about the importance of inclusive aquatic infrastructure—such as hydrotherapy pools, ramps, and hoists—and emphasised the equal importance of cultural awareness and disability training for staff to ensure all patrons feel welcome.

Committee members also shared updates on their own programs and opportunities heading into the new financial year, including representatives from the Federal, state and local governments, aquatic industry partners, community associations and key CaLD community leaders.

Attendees concluded the meeting over a shared meal catered by Chef Tamara Rodriguez, a former refugee from Venezuela and a member of World Music Cafe, a social enterprise that celebrates cultural diversity through food and music.

We are grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to these important conversations.

To learn more about Royal Life Saving WA’s Access and Equity work or get involved in the Multicultural Steering Committee, visit the link below.