13 September 2026
Local ambassadors helping regional multicultural communities learn to swim
Royal Life Saving WA’s regional Multicultural swimming programs wouldn’t be possible without local ambassadors like Leeanne Fasitua who help their community take the first steps towards feeling safer and more confident in the water.
As a Migrant Settlement Advocate at Goldfields Community Legal Centre, Leeanne works closely with culturally and linguistically diverse families and newly arrived migrants in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, including international students studying at Curtin University. She helps people find water safety programs that suit them and supports them through the enrolment process, answering any questions they may have along the way.
Leeanne relocated from New Zealand to Kalgoorlie-Boulder in 2010 and has since built a strong connection with the Goldfields community. Her career has spanned education and community services, with roles in early childhood, primary schools, youth services and family support. Through this work, she has developed a strong understanding of the barriers local families can face and how the right support can help them feel more connected to their community.
“I am passionate about creating inclusive, supportive environments where people feel valued, heard, and empowered to reach their full potential,” Leeanne said.
A big part of Leeanne’s role as ambassador is making sure local families know these lessons are available. She shares upcoming swimming lessons through social media and community networks, helping more people hear about the program.
Royal Life Saving WA’s Multicultural swimming lessons are supported by the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, meaning more families can access affordable swimming and water safety education. Classes are available for children and adults, including Women’s Only sessions, with new classes for teenagers recently added in Term 3.
For Leeanne, helping people feel welcome is an important part of getting them into swimming lessons. Many of the people she supports come from countries where water safety education is less common. Some have never had formal lessons or the chance to learn skills like floating, swimming or rescues.
“What motivates me to support water safety and swimming participation is the importance of ensuring people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities have equal access to lifesaving skills and opportunities,” she shared.
While Kalgoorlie-Boulder may be several hours from the coast, Leeanne said swimming and water safety skills remain relevant with Esperance just a 4-hour-drive away.
“Water is still a part of everyday life through pools, recreation, and travel, so building confidence and competence in and around water is essential for safety. I am passionate about advocating for swimming education because it not only builds confidence and inclusion, but it also plays a critical role in preventing drowning.”
One of the most rewarding parts of Leeanne’s involvement is seeing the difference the lessons make for participants over time.
“What I most enjoy about being involved is seeing the confidence and pride participants gain as they progress through each stage of their swimming journey,” Leeanne shared.
“I also enjoy celebrating those milestone moments with them, whether it’s completing a level, learning a new skill, or simply feeling more at ease in the water. It is incredibly rewarding to know that more people are accessing swimming lessons and gaining this valuable life skill.”
Leeanne is particularly proud to see enrolments grow each term. To her, it shows that people are enjoying the lessons and encouraging their friends and family to give them a go.
Royal Life Saving WA is grateful to our ambassadors like Leeanne who are helping ensure more people in regional WA have the opportunity to develop skills that can support their safety in and around the water for years to come.
Thank you to the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder for their continued support of Royal Life Saving WA’s Multicultural Swimming Programs in the Goldfields community.
