At Woden Daybreak, we turn good intentions into real action through signature projects like our Refugee Swimming & Water Safety Program. In a country where water is a vital cultural touchstone, we are helping new arrivals from many communities gain the skills and confidence to belong safely. By providing professional lessons to 45 participants in our pilot program, we are doing more than just preventing drownings—we are building a more inclusive Canberra where "friendship with purpose" creates a life-saving impact. This initiative perfectly captures our identity as a small club making a real impact, proving that when you get involved with Woden Daybreak, you aren't just joining a committee; you are joining a hands-on team making a visible difference in people's lives.
Making Waves: Refugee Swimming Program a Resounding Success
The Rotary Club of Woden Daybreak, supported by Towards a Better World, has successfully completed its pilot Refugee Swimming & Water Safety Program, marking a significant milestone in community integration and safety. Conducted between July 2025 and June 2026, this initiative was designed to provide essential life skills to young and adult refugees and new arrivals, allowing them to safely participate in Australia’s important water culture.
A Critical Need Addressed
In Australia, swimming is not just a recreational activity but a vital cultural touchstone and a primary avenue for community integration. For many new arrivals, however, the water can represent a significant danger. This project addressed this gap by providing professional instruction to 45 participants from diverse backgrounds, including the Syrian, Afghan, Mongolian, Karen, West African, Pakistani, and Indian communities. By equipping these individuals with a basic understanding of water safety and fundamental swimming skills, the program plays a crucial role in the prevention of potential drownings.
Program Highlights and Achievements
The pilot program, hosted at Club Lime at the Australian National University (ANU), offered two distinct pathways for learners: a nine-day intensive course during the April school break and a 10-week program held once per week. The response was overwhelming, with the courses becoming oversubscribed and resulting in a waitlist for future sessions.
Key successes of the program include:
- High Completion Rate: 35 students successfully finished the intensive course, while 10 completed the weekly sessions.
- Social Connection: Beyond the pool, the project fostered new relationships, with students making friends and some cultural groups joining in broader Rotary club activities.
- Professional Partnerships: The initiative was supported by the charity Towards a Better World and involved collaboration with organisations like Companion House, the YWCA, and the ACT Mongolian Association.
The Rotary Touch
Rotarians from Woden Daybreak were hands-on throughout the process, from liaising with providers to meeting students at their very first sessions to offer a warm welcome. Every participant was provided with swimming goggles and received a ‘congratulations on completion’ certificate to celebrate their new skills.
Looking Ahead
The feedback from participants has been hearteningly positive, with many expressing deep gratitude and a strong desire for further lessons to refine their skills. As word of the program's success has spread, other local organisations have already reached out to express interest in future collaborations. This repeatable and scalable model now stands as a testament to the Rotary Club of Woden Daybreak’s commitment to the well-being of minority groups and the long-term safety of the Canberra community.
Swim Program Participant Feedback
“This opportunity meant a lot to me and my family.
”
“We found the classes very useful and enjoyable.”
“It was a great experience for all of us to learn swimming in such a supportive environment.”
“The instructors were very professional, patient, and helpful throughout the program.”
“Programs like this are very important for families like ours. They not only help us learn an
essential life skill but also build confidence in the water.”
“I achieved my own goal to swim between one end to another without (a) break.”
“Hoping to keep swimming to practise the skills I learnt through this program.”
“I reached my goal to swim on my back. Thank you for the wonderful opportunity and organising
this for us.”
“Thank you for this